JACKIE EPSTEIN

Nikki Webster was a 13-year-old girl wanting to make the country proud when she starred in the Sydney Olympics opening ceremony 20 years ago.

She ended up becoming a child star after the show that stopped a nation with more than 10 million viewers.

“It wasn’t about being famous, it wasn’t anything that crossed my mind,’’ Webster said.

“My main thing on the night, was I was a musical theatre performer so making sure people enjoyed watching it. I didn’t really think about people at home watching and as a 13-year-old girl I wanted to make my mum and dad proud and it was all about making my country proud and the privilege I had of being an Aussie.

“I thought that’s nice and then it’ll be over. I never thought I’d be lucky to have a career.”

Webster went onto become a singer with a hit, Strawberry Kisses, a musical theatre performer and a contestant on The Masked Singer last year. She never tried her luck overseas despite having opportunities.

At the closing ceremony she spent time with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Paul Hogan and John Farnham.

“I remember it like it was yesterday,’’ she said.

“The best thing about being recognised is that everyone is so positive and they remember where they were and what it meant.

“A lot of stories connect with the Olympics and I love to hear about that. It’s pretty cool to have people to share that with.”

Webster said the highlight of the night for her was the flying, but also learning so much about Aboriginal history and culture.

“I watched it back with my daughter (Skylah, 6) and all the memories came flooding back,’’ she said.

“I run dance studios now and that’s my passion to provide in that creative space and give back to performers. And hopefully they can follow their dreams like I was lucky enough to.”

The first of Seven’s Olympic specials, Towards Tokyo: The Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Sydney 2000 Uncovered, airs Tuesday night July 28.

Source: Herald Sun