3 min read
Sport
Feature
How a box of Weet-bix got Kiah a front row seat to Olympic history
Kiah's mum filled out a competition on the side of a Weet-bix box and won two tickets to watch history being made.
Published
Updated
By Rachael Knowles
Source: NITV
Image: Kiah Mundine-Atkins was 18 years old when she sat in Homebush Olympic Stadium and watched Cathy Freeman make athletic history. (Getty Images/NITV)
In late September 1993, Kiah Mundine-Atkins sat on the floor of her primary school watching the announcement of the next Olympic Games host city on an old analog television.
"I was sitting on the floor in the library, they rolled out the TV and I remember them saying 'Sydney,'" she told NITV.
So began Australia's descent into Olympic-fever.
"It was something I was excited about, but we didn't have any plans to go. I thought it would be an event that I'd watch on the TV," the Bundjalung woman recalled.
Weetabix win
Little did Kiah know, her mother had bought a box of Weet-bix that included a competition to win two tickets to the women's athletic finals.
"It was a little thing that she'd cut out and filled out with our details. She posted via snail mail," she said.
"Mum sent it off and forgot about it, she didn't mention anything to me."
Eventually, a letter arrived notifying the household of their win.
"We had two tickets for the athletics, for September 25. At that stage, we didn't know who would be in the final," said Kiah.
"In the lead up, Mum and I had been watching a lot on TV, staying up late and watching the Australians compete."
Cathy Freeman wins women's 400 meters final in Sydney, Australia on September 25, 2000. (Photo by Pool JO SYDNEY 2000/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images) Credit: Pool Jo Sydney 2000/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
When Cathy won
Kiah recalls sitting in the stadium that September 25, in awe of the athletes.
"It was an amazing atmosphere. I remember looking around thinking I couldn't believe I was actually at the Olympics!" Kiah said.
"Coming from a sporting family, I've seen behind the scenes, I know how much dedication and sacrifice it takes to actually make it to that level. People dedicate their lives to it."
It didn't take long to spot the soon-to-be gold medallist, Cathy Freeman.
"She was in that onesie suit, and she was in the zone," she said
"Everyone held their breath, the whole stadium went silent.
"We were watching and watching. You could see her come through at the end and win it. We all jumped up and screamed."
Cathy Freeman wins gold at the 400M Womens Finale at Sydney Olympics, September 25, 2000. Credit: Thierry Orban/Sygma via Getty Images
'I'm so proud as an Aboriginal woman'
Now, 25 years later, it's still one of Kiah's most precious memories, seeing her culture celebrated on the world stage.
"It's a moment I'll always treasure and I'm so proud as an Aboriginal woman," she said.
"I was so proud she showed the world what our people could achieve. Being in the stadium to witness it and see her wear the Aboriginal flag, it was amazing."
Australia's Cathy Freeman walks a lap of honour, carrying the Australian and Aboriginal Flags, after winning Gold in the Womens 400m Finals on September 25, 2000. Credit: Dean Lewis/AAP Image
"It's crazy how quick times goes! I love that we're highlighting Cathy's achievement after 25 years," she said.
"It's such a pinnacle moment in our history of sport, and Australia's history.
"It bought everyone together, it didn't matter who you were, or what nationality you were, it bought all Australians together."
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