It's one of the most recognisable museum exhibits in Melbourne, where thousands have tested themselves against perhaps Australia's greatest athletics star.

A man is taking legal action against the Scienceworks museum after he ran "flat out" into a wall and fractured his spine while racing a virtual Cathy Freeman display.

Dean Smith, 44, filed a writ in the Victorian Supreme Court last week against the Museums Board of Victoria claiming he had been unable to work since suffering the severe injuries in June last year.

According to court documents, Mr Smith was running on the 10-metre dual-lane track against the computerised sprinting champ when he ploughed into a wall, injuring his skull, ribs and spine.