Athletics: Freeman fearful of pre-Olympics loss

LONDON - Double world athletics champion Cathy Freeman yesterday stressed the importance of remaining unbeaten in the build-up to the Sydney Olympics.

The Australian begins her Games countdown when she meets three-times Olympic champion Marie-Jose Perec and Briton Katherine Merry over 400m at an international meeting in London on August 5.

Freeman admitted the fear of losing was motivating her as she prepared for the Games.

"The most important thing is to remain positive," she said. "If I lose it will have a terrible effect on my preparation. There would be nothing worse than to head for Sydney after a defeat in London.

"I am not scared about the prospect of facing Marie-Jose because I thrive on competition.

"I hope she recovers from her illness and is healthy for the Olympics. If she can it will be a great final. I'm also looking forward to racing against Katherine.

"I met her for the first time 10 years ago at the world junior championships and since she has made the step up to the one-lap distance and joined up with Linford Christie's training group she has made a real mark."

Freeman, the fastest woman in the world this year over 400m, explained the importance of her training regime in England and hinted that the idea of being out of the spotlight was improving her chances of capturing gold in Sydney.

"Back home there is wonderful support for me. Strangers in the street embrace me as though I am their best friend.

"I really have entered their hearts and minds," Freeman said.

"In England I am not particularly well known and can train without much fuss.

"There is an abundance of facilities within a close proximity."

- REUTERS