Coinciding with the end of the Rio Games, former Australian Olympic and Commonwealth Games representative Youcef Abdi toured around Port Stephens to speak with primary school-aged children.

Mr Abdi, who was born in Algeria, competed in his first Australian team in 2002.

He won bronze in the 1500 metre steeplechase, an obstacle race in athletics, at the 2002 Commonwealth Games held in the United Kingdom.

In 2006, at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, he competed in the 3000m steeplechase, finishing 11^th.

At the 2008 Beijing Games, Mr Abdi finished sixth, just 0.14 seconds outside of Shaun Creighton’s Australian record.

The 2012 London Olympics was Mr Abdi’s final Games. He finished sixth in the second heat of the 3000m steeplechase and finished 23^rd overall.

Mr Abdi visited Clarence Town, Raymond Terrace, St Brigids and Grahamstown primary schools on Monday, August 29.

He visited the Medowie, Seaham and Millers Forest public schools on Tuesday, August 30.

The visits, organised by Raymond Terrace Athletics Centre, were part of Little Athletics’ school visit program.

At the schools, Mr Abdi gave an inspirational recount of his rise in athletics from humble beginnings in Algeria to his multiple national representations and medal-winning performance.

Mr Abdi moved to Australia after visiting Sydney for the 1996 World Junior Championships. 

Raymond Terrace Athletics Centre will hold its first competition meet of the season on Saturday, September 10.

Find out more at raymondterraceathletics.com.au.