In the lead-up to next month's Beijing Olympics, the centre's 400 youngsters have been "inspired'' to follow their dream by senior Waverley athlete Madeleine Pape, who will make her Games' debut in the 800 metres.

Waverley Little Athletics president Matt Sturgess said the 24-year-old Olympian had taken time out in her preparation to coach and advise the youngsters.

"Madeleine has been inspirational in showing the kids what they can achieve if they follow their dreams. They can actually see and hear from someone from their own club who became an Olympian.

"It's been great for the kids, who are really excited about the Olympics and following Madeleine's progress.''

A pioneer in the little aths movement in Victoria, Sturgess said the centre had created an "inclusive'' environment over the past 40 years.

"It's all about creating an environment that fosters unity and provides kids with the opportunity to be the best they can be.''

Sturgess said he expected a huge increase in membership because of the Olympics.

"We had a 20 per cent increase after the last Olympics and I would expect it would more this year given the exposure and interest in the Beijing Games.''

The centre was formed four years after the state's first little athletics club in Geelong.

Sturgess said the club was now also helping to battle childhood obesity.

"We aim to promote healthy living, healthy eating, and being fit and healthy. Like most sporting organisations, we have had to evolve with the times and deal with issues like childhood obesity and diabetes, which is a real concern in our community today.''

Pape, who gave away a promising career as an umpire in the Eastern Football League, said she "dreamed'' about winning a medal for Australia as a child.

"I always dreamed of being able to win a gold medal at the Olympics. I used to race the boys at my primary school at recess. In year 9, the older sports captains at my school invited me to come down to their athletics club. I met my coach Terry [McGrath] at Waverley athletics club that afternoon and he is still my coach today.''

Pape has some sound advice for the aspiring Olympians at the Waverley little aths centre: "You miss 100 per cent of the shots you don't take.''