SYDNEY, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Australian Olympic gold medalist Cathy Freeman has applauded the addition of women's boxing at the 2012 London Games.

    Freeman was speaking in Sydney on Friday during a promotional trip to launch a new indigenous charity helping children on Queensland's Palm Island.

    The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recommended the women's boxing event be added to its program.

    Women will compete in three weight classes, with 12 competitors each in flyweight, lightweight and middleweight.

    Freeman, who won gold in the 400m at the 2000 Sydney Games, strongly supported the IOC's decision, but said she would stick to throwing punches of a different kind.

    "My brothers would probably assume that I would take up (boxing) some day, but no," she said.

    "I think the addition of boxing is a great move. It's that approach of real inclusiveness. I welcome it and I encourage it."

    However, the Australian Medical Association criticized the decision as it has called for a ban on all boxing given the danger it posed to competitors.