{"id":471007,"date":"2025-09-17T22:04:14","date_gmt":"2025-09-17T22:04:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/?p=471007"},"modified":"2025-09-17T23:18:11","modified_gmt":"2025-09-17T23:18:11","slug":"freddy-lifts-lid-on-fanboy-moment-with-olympic-icon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/?p=471007","title":{"rendered":"Freddy lifts lid on 'fanboy' moment with Olympic icon"},"content":{"rendered":"

B\ufeffrad Fittler<\/a> has done it all in his rugby league career, from lifting premiership trophies with two clubs to winning State of Origin series as both a player and coach.<\/p>\n

But when the Roosters<\/a> legend came face-to-face with Olympic icon Cathy Freeman<\/a> this week, there was a "fanboy" moment he had never experienced before.<\/p>\n

Fittler, along with close mate Andrew Johns<\/a>, was inducted into the Stadium Australia Hall of Fame, joining some legends of multiple sports.<\/p>\n

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A gala event was held at Homebush to celebrate 25 years since the Sydney Olympics and Fittler was in awe of both Freeman and swimming champion Ian Thorpe<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

In the lead-up to the 2000 Olympics, the league great was part of a torch-running event in Parramatta and still holds the symbol to this day.<\/p>\n

So when the opportunity arose\ufeff to get two legendary signatures on it, Fittler – with the help of Nine host James Bracey – wasn't going to miss out.<\/p>\n

"It was awesome, it was a fantastic night," he said on Nine's Freddy and The Eighth<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n

"Both of us were a bit [of a] fanboy for Cathy Freeman.<\/p>\n

"I ran the torch [before the Olympics] and it was an incredible, out of body experience.<\/p>\n

Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and<\/strong><\/em> 9Now<\/strong><\/em><\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

"I remember I lit the cauldron at Parramatta and ran over the top of this outdoor amphitheatre. It was a great build-up and got more and more exciting and then when I ran over the top, it was packed with thousands of people.<\/p>\n

"I've always wanted to get those two to sign it – Cathy Freeman and Ian Thorpe – but I was so nervous, I don't think I have ever asked anyone for an autograph.<\/p>\n

"James Bracey actually broke the ice, he was fantastic and got it signed."<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Johns was similarly stunned by the presence of Freeman, who is still perhaps the most beloved Olympian in the country's history after claiming the 400m gold medal.<\/p>\n

"I think what Cathy achieved is probably the greatest Australian Olympic moment and then Ian Thorpe is our greatest-ever swimmer," the Knights legend said.<\/p>\n

"She's the coolest lady, so humble and shy – it was intimidating to meet her."\u00a0<\/p>\n

Johns and Fittler were the only two rugby league players to be inducted into the Hall of Fame for their exploits on the field at club, state and international level.<\/p>\n

\"Joey<\/p>\n

Athletes from football, rugby union, athletics and swimming were also honoured.<\/p>\n

Stadium Australia Hall of Fame inaugural inductees\ufeff<\/h3>\n