But for Griffith teens Meg Signor, Emma Groat and Jessica Soligo that’s exactly what happened on Monday when they met Stephanie Rice in Leeton.

The trio were among around 300 people, including other Griffith residents lucky enough to get an invite, who witnessed SunRice announce the swimming sensation as their first brand ambassador.

But for the excited Griffith girls, who are all part of the Griffith Swim Club, why she was there didn’t really matter.

The fact that she was in the region giving them insight into her world was the most important thing.

“What she had to say really opened our eyes,” Jessica said.

“She talked to the crowd about how much training she has to do, how busy she’s been and how much her life has changed since the Olympics.

“When we had the photo taken she had her arm around us and it was really exciting.”

Rice, 20, was Australia’s outstanding swimmer at the Beijing Olympics in August, winning the 200 and 400m medley double and the 4x200m freestyle relay – all in world record time. And on Monday night she was named

Australian Swimmer of the Year.

With swim season kicking off this weekend for the girls, the visit has provided plenty of inspiration. As far as Meg, 14, and Emma, 13, are concerned, Rice is their hero.

“She seemed really modest when they talked about all of her gold medals. And she was down-to-earth and humble which was nice to see,” Meg said.

“She’s definitely the swimmer we look up to. She didn’t mind signing all of the autographs until the really, really long line was finished,” Emma said.

“I think what we learnt most is that you have to be willing to dedicate your life to swimming if you want to succeed.”