Warrnambool export Michelle Ferris says she would love to inspire the next Olympic cyclist to come out of the south-west.
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Ferris, Australia’s first female Olympic track sprint medallist, will be inducted into the Cycling Australia Hall of Fame next week.
The 42-year-old is a dual Olympic and seven-time World Championship medallist.
"I guess some people think they are limited for living in country towns but I never found that was a hindrance to me," she said.
"I remember sometimes getting the train up to Melbourne to get to training sessions or staying with friends to have the opportunity to race and train in the places where everyone was.
"And my mum and dad would travel around and take me to places so I had every opportunity.
“It is a few hours travelling but why not, you never know what could happen.”
The Sydney-based Ferris said her message to others in the south-west was to see the opportunity in every difficulty, not the difficulty in every opportunity.
"I did lots of training sessions there in Warrnambool, it is not the most ideal situation, but I think it also made me stronger,” she said.
"So take advantage of the things that are a bit more difficult, for the end result is achieving your dreams of Olympics or world championships.
"And don't be afraid to have a go or let little obstacles stand in your way. And don’t let people stop you from doing what you want to do."