SYDNEY Olympics teen performer Nikki Webster has warned next week’s young opening ceremony stars to get thick skins in preparation for the knocks to come.

Webster says Australia turned on her after the 2000 Games and she thinks she’ll never outlive the stigma.

“For a 13-year-old who’s just represented their country . . . to be knocked by your country wasn’t the nicest thing,” she said yesterday.

“Hopefully Australia has learnt from my experience and learnt how much it damages and hurts young children.

“Hopefully it’s all over because it is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone.”

Webster, now 18, sang and soared before a TV audience of billions at the 2000 Olympics opening ceremony.

She says the Olympic cauldron was barely cold before the sniping began.

“I’d gone from over-the-top nice comments like ‘She’s our hero’ to the total opposite.

“People didn’t want to get to know me and give me a fair go.

“It doesn’t matter if I’m 45 years old, there’s always going to be that stigma.”

In 2000, after the Games, Webster sang at the Melbourne Cup and was profiled on 60 Minutes. Since then, she has had one hit single, in 2001, and seven others that missed the top 10.

A suggestive photo shoot for men’s magazine FHM caused a stir a month before her 18th birthday.

Webster urged children in the ceremony to cherish their moment in the spotlight.

“I still lay there at night thinking about what it was like walking out in the middle of the arena and looking around at everyone.

“Get out and have fun. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Source: The Daily Telegraph