That’s why Saturday was so special for Wagga gymnasts, graced by the presence of Australian Olympic athlete Larrissa Miller.

Miller inspired a squad of 28 competitive gymnasts aged six to 15, leading a warm-up session and hosting a question and answer session at Bolton Park.

The girls, who train between four and 20 hours a week, picked Millers brains.

“They were so quiet, a bit afraid to talk, just in awe of her,” Wagga instructor Christina Appleton-Seymour said.

“But she was so down to earth, open and honest, a cool chick.”

Appleton-Seymour planned the visit “for the girls who have big dreams, but don’t have the same opportunity as city kids”.

Miller’s visit was particularly exciting for a couple of Wagga gymnasts who almost travelled to Melbourne to meet Miller, but she was sick, and the session was cancelled.

Wagga’s most serious club gymnast, Paige Pfeiffer, 15, took inspiration from Miller.

“Paige competes at a high level, she inspires most of the gym," Appleton-Seymour said.

“When you’re at the top of your club, you don’t have anyone to look up to, so it was really good for Paige.”