Freeman's Olympic cauldron bodysuit may have been recovered after 14 years

The mystery behind the disappearance of the bodysuit Cathy Freeman wore while lighting Sydney's Olympics cauldron in 2000 may have finally been solved.

The Lycra garment was last seen hanging on a peg in a dressing room 14 years ago before it was apparently stolen.

A suit believed to be the same one was handed in to the National Sports Museum at the MCG last week by an anonymous person, News Corp reports.

It is now in the hands of Victoria Police, which is trying to confirm its authenticity with help from NSW police.

"We're delighted for Cathy if it's true," Australian Olympic Committee spokesman Mike Tancred was quoted as saying.

"It's part of our history and we'd love to have it back."

Freeman lit the Olympic flame in front of a stadium of 110,000 people before going on to win gold in the 400m in 2000.