Olympic Heroes

Cathy Freeman

Cathy Freeman made history when she won the women's 400 metres at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, a moment a lot of Australians will never forget. But off the track, she is doing things that are equally important.

In 2007, The Catherine Freeman Foundation (CFF) was established. CCF is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to create pathways to a brighter future for Indigenous children. CFF works in collaboration with community organisations, businesses, schools and other philanthropists to provide educational and wellbeing opportunities for Indigenous children. Many of the projects focus on young girls; research indicates that by educating girls, the community benefits longer term because girls are more likely to stay in the community and use their education to address local issues.

For more information on the Catherine Freeman Foundation, click here.

Lauren Burns

Lauren Burns created sporting history by winning the first ever Olympic medal for Taekwondo when the sport made its debut at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Lauren was one of only three Australian women to win an individual Olympic Gold Medal, along with Cathy Freeman and Susie O Neill.

Nowadays, Lauren is keeping busy as one of Australia's most sought after speakers and has spoken to over 200,000 people in the past seven years. In her presentations Lauren talks about what it takes to be successful, she transforms her stories and experiences into life skills making them entertaining and relevant to her listeners.

To find out more about Lauren Burns and the work she is doing, have a look at her website.

Natalie Cook

Natalie Cook was alongside her team-mate Kerri Pottharst in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games when the duo won gold in the women's volleyball. Ten years on, Natalie is still competing and is determined to make it to the 2012 London Games.

When Natalie's not training for the Olympics, she takes time out to help businesses succeed by teaching them her formula for success. Through key note speeches, group presentations and team exercises Natalie is able to teach people, the mindset that is needed to make every business number one.

Amongst other achievements Natalie is also an author. The book "Go Girl" was published in September 2001 and she has another book on the way. "Go Girl" is an inspirational tale of courage and audacity and offers a very real insight into what makes a true champion tick.

For more on Natalie Cook, visit her website.

Ian Thorpe

This year Ian celebrates the 10th Anniversary of his charity, Ian Thorpe's Fountain for Youth. The main focus of his charity is in improving health and education outcomes for Indigenous children – 'Closing the Gap' on Indigenous inequality, in health and education.

Ian is passionate about the work being carried out and lists his charity as one of his proudest achievements and has made a life-long commitment to working with Indigenous Australians.

For more information on Ian Thorpe's Fountain for Youth, go to the official website.

Additional information on the Literacy Empowerment Project, which Ian Thorpe's foundation is also involved in, is available here.

Ian has also been recognised for his achievements, being selected to represent Australians as a member of The Forum of Young Global Leaders. This consists of a unique, multi-stakeholder community of exceptional young leaders who share a commitment to shaping the global future. Each year the World Economic Forum identifies 100-200 extraordinary individuals, drawn from every region of the world. Together, they form a powerful international community that can dramatically impact the global future.

To find out more, click here.

Michael Klim

Michael Klim certainly showed us what he is capable of in the pool, but he's also made his mark with his skincare range, known as Milk. These products have been tested by Michael himself and are made using natural marine-based ingredients (such as brown seaweed and algae extracts). Personally researched, tested and created by Michael, Milk is about helping guys feel good about their skin and relaxed about taking care of it.

To find out more about Milk as well as their skincare range for babies, here is the link to their website.

Michael also established Klim Swim in Victoria, a Learn To Swim Operation, providing quality swimming tuition to participants of all ages and abilities. The Klim Family started Klim Swim in 1997 and created a Learn to Swim Program along with the help of a number of swimming coaches and industry experts.

For more information on Klim Swim and the locations of these pools in Melbourne, go to the official website.

Justin Norris

After the Sydney Games, Justin Norris followed made another dream of his come true. He established the Justin Norris Swim Academy for those living in Newcastle, Maitland and the Hunter regions. This Academy is a unique, specially designed indoor facility built for the specific purpose of teaching people to swim. It shatters the current image of Learn-to-Swim by providing members with a boutique service, not just a lesson.

For more information on the Justin Norris Swim Academy, here is the link to the official website.

Kerri Pottharst

Kerri Pottharst not only won gold for volleyball at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games but she also won the hearts of the thousands of people who were there to support her and her team-mate, Natalie Cook. Kerri has continued on to lead a very busy life and works as a motivational speaker as well as being there for her four year old son, Tyson.

To find out more about Kerri Pottharst and her plans for the future, click on this link.