Freeman rules out track return

The manager of Cathy Freeman has insisted the former Olympic champion will not be making a comeback at next year’s Commonwealth Games.

Freeman, who won the 400 metres title in Sydney in 2000, said yesterday she would consider returning to the relay squad for next year’s Games, which are being held in Melbourne.

Freeman last competed at the Commonwealths in Manchester in 2002 when she was part of the gold-medal winning 4x400m relay team and said she would contemplate a return if she felt there was backing for such a move.

Although the 31-year-old ruled out running in the individual event, she has been encouraged to return by former relay squad team-mate Tamsyn Lewis and Games chairman Ron Walker.

However, Freeman’s manager Chris Giannopoulos said she had ruled out competing in Melbourne at this stage because she would not be prepared.