Olympic legend Cathy Freeman and husband James Murch announce separation after 15 years of marriage

Olympic legend Cathy Freeman and husband James Murch have announced their separation after 15 years of marriage.

Olympic legend Cathy Freeman and husband James Murch have announced their separation after 15 years of marriage, as revealed in a statement to the Herald Sun on Friday.

Freeman, 51, and Murch, 49, have emphasised that their primary concern will remain their daughter Ruby.

James Murch and Cathy Freeman at the Australian Open. Picture: Regina Karon

It has been 24 years since her iconic gold medal in the 400m at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Her illustrious career also includes victories in the 400m at the 1997 and 1999 World Championships, double gold at the 1994 Commonwealth Games, and a silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

In recent years, Freeman, originally from mackay in regional Queensland, has been actively involved with the organisation Murrup dedicated to educational programs aimed at empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

In the pairs’ statement, Freeman and Murch stated: “After 15 years of marriage we have unfortunately separated. We continue co-parenting and this is our greatest priority.”

They also mentioned their ongoing professional collaboration.

“We continue sharing a professional and working partnership through Estrella Sports Management,” they shared.

“Given this is a personal matter we would greatly appreciate you respecting our privacy and we won’t be making any further comment.”

Freeman’s remarkable career includes a gold medal in the 400m at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, victories in the 400m at the 1997 and 1999 World Championships, and ongoing involvement with the Murrup foundation. Picture: Pat Scala.

The couple first met in 2005 and tied the knot 2009 on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Murch, formerly a stockbroker and fund manager who later spent eight years as an AFL recruiter, currently manages Estrella Sports Management.

His clients include T20 star Jake Fraser-McGurk and cricketing siblings Will and Annabel Sutherland.

Murch also had a successful stint as a fast bowler for Premier cricket team St Kilda, where he played a crucial role in their Premiership win.

Last year, Freeman’s contributions were further recognised with the Eastern Grandstand at Sydney’s Olympic Park being renamed the Cathy Freeman stand.