I want to be a positive role model, especially for kids and Aboriginal people... When people see me, often all they see is another Australian athlete having a go. It isn't until they see the full Cathy Freeman picture that they realise how proud I am of my ancestry and heritage. I'd like a little more tolerance and acceptance of my culture and all the differing cultures that make up Australia.

I quite clearly have made the right decision in my heart, retirement was the way.

People could see in me who I am now, an Olympic champ, the best in the world.

For athletes traditionally it's such a fantastic stepping stone to greater things down the track and in the future. Don't undermine the Commonwealth Games!

The thing I do best is laugh.

You got to try and reach for the stars or try and achieve the unreachable.

My mind is pretty made up that life for Cathy Freeman will be as an unmarried woman from now on.