Freeman looking for three golds

Cathy Freeman will chase three Olympic gold medals after her bid to contest the 200m at the Sydney Games was rubber stamped by Australian officials.

The 400m world champion will be Australia's third entrant in the 200m at the likely expense of Nova Peris-Kneebone.

Melinda Gainsford-Taylor and Lauren Hewitt were chosen for the two pre-selected 200m positions and Peris-Kneebone was third preference after the Australian trials, which Freeman did not enter.

Freeman will add the shorter sprint to her quest to win the 400m and the 4 x 400m relay.

Peris-Kneebone can still win a 200m berth, with Australian selectors likely to postpone a final decision on entrants until 24 hours before the first round begins.