Kotuku missed qualifying for the semi-final in swimming’s 200 metre individual medley at Rio by just .04 of a second.

And Rhydian, a specialist 200 metre walker, missed making the 2015 World Championships team by only one place but fought back to make it to Rio, finishing 33^rd.

On Wednesday, the two Olympians – along with Ballarat’s marathon runner Steve Moneghetti – spoke to students from a range of local schools about their lives as elite athletes.

The Meet with a Champ program is an Australian Olympic Committee initiative to celebrate the 60^th anniversary of the Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games.

The trio were at Ballarat High School where Kotuku spoke about the struggles of juggling life as an elite sportswoman.

“I’ve missed out on teams by .05 of a second but it’s how you motivate yourself and get back on the horse,” Kotuku said.

“It’s not easy – I spend most of my time staring at a black line.”

Rhydian said his career had not always been a “linear path”, with racewalking being a very strong sport in Australia.

“It’s been a little bit of a challenge but fortunately there’s still a lot of upside for me, with the retirement of a few walkers, a few spaces opened up for me,” Rhydian said.

He also said he had looked up to Ballarat racewalking medallist Jared Talent since he won his first medals in Beijing.

“He’s inspiring, his fight for a clean sport. He’s doing the right thing by everyone.

“There’s always people trying to a nudge the table to fall in their favour.”

Rhydian also said it was special to give back to young students.

“When you’re the student, on your way through life, there are so many people along the way there to lend a hand and help you out, so to be given the chance to lend my hand and try to inspire is nice.”

Steve said he found sharing his story with students quite emotional, and said he wanted them to walk away from the session with one message.

“Talent will only get you so far. Hard work and commitment will get you a lot further. Enjoy the ride,” Steve said.

He also said he “loved what I did before I got good at it”.

However, once he became an elite athlete he didn’t love the running anymore but rather the camaraderie and going to big race meets, like the Commonwealth and Olympic games.

“Now I’m retired, I’ve got my love of running back.

“If you love something, talent will only get you so far. You want to really love it.”