'Just like Cathy': Aussie star's potential impact revealed

Jessica Hull's performance in the 1500m women's final has earned the Aussie runner some comparisons to the legendary Cathy Freeman.

In a spirited display, Hull took home the silver medal in Paris, finishing behind Faith Kipyegon in a gruelling event inside Stade de France.

The 27-year-old became the first Aussie to win an Olympic 1500m medal in over six decades, while also being the first athlete from Down Under to capture a medal in any track event since Sally Pearson at London 2012.

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Hull's performance, despite falling short against the greatest of all-time Faith Kipyegon, has been described as a pivotal moment for athletics in Australia. 

Speaking on Stan Sport's Olympics Daily, silver medallist John Steffensen heaped praise on Hull and believes she will have a major impact on the next generation.

"I am so proud of Jess ... I have gotten to know her and had a lot of interaction with her over the year and you could see the relief to get that global medal," he said.

"I actually thought halfway through the race, Jess was doing a lot, she was tracked wide and there was a lot of jostling. I think Jess is even better than that run that she just did.

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"She didn't have a compatriot to help her pace, protect her within the bunch and she just fought extremely hard. You could tell she wanted that. She's in the second half of her career so winning that Olympic medal is fantastic.

"Going into 2032, Jess might not be there, but there will be a young girl, or even a young boy watching saying, 'I need that feeling'.

"That is what Jess provided for us tonight, just like Cathy Freeman did."

Freeman famously won the 400m final at Sydney 2000, in what is still regarded as Australia's greatest moment at the Olympics.

John Steffensen will appear as an athletics expert on Stan Sport's Olympics Daily and Paris Preview shows throughout the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.