The Algerian-born runner, who specialises in the 3000m steeplechase, has represented Australia at the Olympic Games in both Beijing and London.

He also picked up a bronze medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, United Kingdom, in the 1500m event.

Abdi said he enjoyed touring regional areas as part of his role as a development officer for Little Athletics NSW.

“This is my first time in Muswellbrook and it’s always great to come to these smaller towns and tell children that it doesn’t matter where they’re from if they have a goal,” he said.

“I came from a tiny village of only 800 people in Algeria, and we had no running water or electricity.

“One day after school I saw the Olympics on television and was just fascinated by it.

“I remember Dad told me the Olympics make the world stop; everyone watches and talks about it even if you don’t like sport so I decided that I wanted to go there.

 “I just told students to never give up; it’s never a smooth ride but as long as they have a dream then they can achieve it.”

Abdi was invited to attend the sessions by Muswellbrook Little Athletics Centre.

The organisation’s new season starts on Tuesday, October 6.

Registration days are Tuesday, September 8 from 6-7pm; Saturday, September 12 from 1-3pm; and Tuesday, September 15 from 6-7pm at McDonalds, Muswellbrook.

The centre’s new committee consists of Michael Wilton as president and Matthew Jeans as vice president.

The new committee has told The Chronicle it's been working hard to promote the sport around the area.