Olympic champ Freeman puts husband first

Freeman with husband Bodecker

MELBOURNE, Australia -- Australia's most internationally recognized athlete, Cathy Freeman, has put her husband's health ahead of personal glory at this year's Commonwealth Games.

Freeman revealed Thursday she would not compete in her specialty events at the Manchester, England, games because her spouse is suffering from cancer.

Husband Sandy Bodecker, a Nike executive, has a mouth tumor and needs chemotherapy and radiation treatment for five to seven weeks.

Freeman, who lit the Olympic flame to help open the Sydney 2000 Games and won the Womens' 400 meter gold medal, will stay in Melbourne to care for her husband.

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As a result her preparation for the Manchester games, which start on July 25, will be disrupted.

Due to an injury, Freeman, has not yet qualified for the 400-meter or 200-meter races at Manchester, her specialty events.

Freeman has canceled her planned European racing schedule that was to begin in two weeks, but she will continue training.

There was a slight chance she may compete in a relay event at the games, she said.

"This has obviously come as a complete shock to both Alexander (Sandy) and myself," she told a media conference in Melbourne.

"At the moment my highest priority is to remain by my husband's side, and to give him as much love and support as possible."

Freeman said she still aimed to compete at the world championships next year and to go on to defend her 400-meters title at the Athens Olympics in 2004.

Bodecker, 49, is based in Portland, Oregon. He and Freeman were married in September, 1999.

Athletics Australia chief executive officer Simon Allatson said it was a blow to lose Freeman so close to the games.