Olympian race walker Jared Tallent knows exactly how the kids converging on Tamworth for the National Primary Games feel.
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The Olympic gold medallist – who is in Tamworth for the games alongside fellow Olympians, wife Claire and boxer Shelley Watts – had the chance to attend an event just as big, the Pacific School Games, when he was in high school.
Tallent said that experience was a memorable one.
“Getting to compete against kids from all around Australia and also a few athletes from overseas was a pretty momentous occasion as a kid,” Tallent said.
“I really got a lot out of it and it makes you want to do [well] in sport a lot more.”
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The three Olympians will be going from field to field to mingle with the junior athletes competing in Tamworth this weekend.
Tallent hoped they could inspire Australia’s next generation of Olympians.
”I remember being a kid and being inspired by the Olympics and looking up to the Olympic athletes,” he said.
“Seeing athletes like that always made me feel like I really wanted to make it.
“Spending time with the kids will be a great opportunity to give back and hopefully they'll look up to us Olympians and get inspired.”
Over 2000 athletes will compete at this year’s National Primary Games in the five sports on offer – netball, soccer, rugby league, gymnastics and tennis. The opening ceremony kicks off the games at the sports dome from 8am before the sporting action commences at 9am all around town.