The story of Cathy Freeman’s extraordinary rise from an unknown runner from Mackay on Queensland’s sugar coast to Olympic glory enthralled Australians. Underneath her remarkable triumph at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 lies an inspiring narrative. It stars John-Paul Janke and his mother, Joanna. From a sporting family standpoint, their backing gave Freeman the complete freedom of a supportive family structure throughout her developing years as an athlete.
Freeman’s career started inauspiciously in the physical education of public school, where her gift fully flourished and was realized. By the time she was just 12 years old, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) recognized her potential and invited her to be assessed for her athletic abilities in 1985. This turning point would lay the foundation for her future success on a national, Commonwealth and World Championship level.
To help support her during this important stage, Freeman moved back in with her parents in south Canberra. Every day, they took her buffer breakfast, lunch and dinner across the city so she could train and test vigorously. She came home tired but full of fire. As a self-proclaimed introvert, this routine helped grounding her life.
John-Paul Janke’s mom was an extraordinary influence to have in his life. It was usually her job to roust Freeman every morning, making sure that she was prepped for her busy day’s schedule voluptuous lady.
“If I didn’t wake her up, there’d be no gold medals,” – John-Paul Janke’s mum
Freeman remembers those mornings in technicolor. Joanna would quietly summon her from the bedroom door, or rouse her by shaking her awake. With grueling days of training ahead, Freeman would come home and eat a simple yet effective meal for energy. Tired but motivated, she would eventually crash right into bed, dreaming of Olympic greatness.
As Freeman went on to have her illustrious career, Janke’s mother beamed as she saw her take one step forward after another. She called John-Paul often to let him know how much Freeman’s success was making her uncomfortable. She said they had a close, familial relationship with the new idol.
“Our Cathy — our baby — has won!” – John-Paul Janke’s mum
Their relationship went beyond admiration and respect. It developed into a common love and celebration. John-Paul previously had the opportunity to share this story with Cathy Freeman. She signed an album for one fan, poem-style, to express her gratitude to Joanna for changing her life.
Freeman’s story reached its climax at the Sydney Olympics. She came around the curve in third place, and then sprinted out of the final turn to run away with the win in a blistering 49.11 seconds. Straining so hard to achieve gold as she crossed the finish line, she collapsed out of exertion from crossing—pure joy for Australia.
“Joanna, thanks for waking me up. Love, Cathy,” – Cathy Freeman
