If anyone knows about running fast, it's Melinda Gainsford-Taylor.
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The Olympian held the women's 100m and 200m Australian records for over 20 years, and was in Orange on Friday passing on her knowledge to students at Orange Anglican Grammar on the hunt for the country's next speedster.
"I'm lucky to be here to help these kids learnt he right technique to run fast," she said.
"I always knew how important technique is to running properly but kids aren't taught the technique."
She said speed running was an attribute which translated across nearly every sport, and emphasised it wasn't just athletes who'd see benefits from improved techniques.
"We teach them to swim but not to run, I'm here to give them skills and drills and to teach them a few things about explosive speed so they'll be able to take it with them," she said.
Mrs Gainsford-Taylor, who's originally from Narromine, said she "loved" any chance she got to head back west.
"I miss coming out the country so any excuse I can get to get out here I take," she said.
The benefits were being recognised too, with both Friday night's session and Saturday's session with Little Athletics both booked out.
"I've had a lot of kids coming and some travelling from a long way to do it," Mrs Gainsford-Taylor said.
"I'll come back for sure, I get a real kick out of it helping these kids. I know being country kids there aren't a lot of opportunities and who knows, they might represent in Australia not just in athletics but all sports."
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