Secretary Peter Cashin says local competitors rode the highs and lows of their athletic idols as Australia's athletes competed at the Games.

Cashin said many of the club's more than 500 children, ranging in age from five to 15, had watched it on television.

"They ride the high of Sally McLellan and then they ride the disappointments with Craig Mottram, who knows he probably would have liked to have done better.

"But the kids also know that is racing - you're not always at your peak and if you are lucky enough to be at your peak when there is a big meeting on, you do your best."

Mottram bowed out of contention last week in the 5000metres after expecting to make an impact in the final at his third Olympic Games.

However, McLellan unexpectedly won silver in the 100-metre hurdles.

Cashin said the Olympics had got people thinking about athletics and predicted up to 20 per cent more new registrations this year compared with last.

"I'm guessing the interest we have already had so far has been motivated by the Olympics," he said.

"Athletics doesn't get the exposure that some of the other sports get so it's fantastic that it has its moment where people stop and take notice."

Registration day: September 20, 9am-noon at Victoria University sporting complex, Hoppers Lane, Hoppers Crossing