Cathy Freeman pushed herself to the limits in achieving Olympic gold and it turns out she did the same with her jewellery.
A diamond ring she wore during her 400-metre triumph is now under the auctioneer's hammer along with her white gold earrings, bangles and bracelets.
"I've used them all very well. I've pushed them to their limits," she laughed on Monday ahead of next week's sell-off.
Freeman may be better known for her athletic medals than taste in trinkets but she says every sporting girl loves to treat herself to a bit of bling after a string of victories.
"I've always loved sparkly diamonds and the glamour the jewellery represents," she says.
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"It was always a nice change from the athletics, from the world that I was a part of, that isn't so glamorous."
The money raised from the sale, which includes high-end watches and rings from Bvlgari, Cartier and C, will go to the Catherine Freeman Foundation to support indigenous children on Palm Island.
Freeman says it was time to part with the treasures and focus on her charity work after celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Sydney Olympics.
As for the next generation of Aussie athletes returning from a successful Commonwealth Games, Freeman is certain they will follow her lead.
"I'm sure a few victors will be splashing out on a few jewels of their own," she laughs.
The auction will be held at the South Yarra auction rooms of Leonard Joel on October 25.
