Newz Forum: OLYMPICS: Cathy Freeman thinking of making a comeback

Former Olympic 400 metres champion Cathy Freeman says she is considering a return to the track at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

Freeman said she would seriously consider running in a relay team next March "if there was overwhelming support" for her comeback.

"If there was overwhelming support for me to come back - even for the relay - I would think about it, but not just if it was for myself," she told a Sydney newspaper.

"It would be a lot of fun. It would be enough motivation for me to get out there and try again.

"If people feel that strongly about it, it would take that to convince me I should have a go again."

However, Freeman ruled out an individual return, saying nothing could surpass her Sydney 2000 gold medal.

"I don't think I could ever top what I felt in Sydney, and I've got too much pride," she said.

"If I was part of the relay I'd do it, but not the individual.

"The preparation...getting fit...is easy. And I don't think I could lose that competitiveness and killer instinct, I've just channelled it into other things."

Athletics Australia high performance director Max Binnington said a fit Freeman would be of "huge value to the team". But former coach and Australian athletics legend Raelene Boyle questioned the wisdom of such a move.

"For the Commonwealth Games community and Australians who will be there, it would be fantastic to see Cath run, but I believe that once you retire, you retire," she told the Sun Herald.

AF Press