So of course he didn't miss a throw during Barber's bronze medal javelin performance at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

"She used to come down and do some work at Albury at Alexandra Park," Simpson said.

"She didn't throw the javelin then, but she was a very good discus and shot putter.

"She must have realised that shot put and discus wasn't for her."

Despite first meeting her as a kid when she relocated to Corryong, Simpson has continued to see Barber throughout different stages of her career.

"When she got the medal at the Commonwealth Games I was actually one of the officials on the javelin as well," he said.

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"I've watched her for a number of years, and it's really good now seeing her coached by her husband."

While he takes no credit for her javelin success, he admits Barber has made an impact on him.

"Because of Kelsey-Lee I've decided I may as well take up javelin coaching," he said.

Now based in Kilmore, Simpson still coaches several border athletes, including Wangaratta's Xavier Pitt and Albury's Isabella Slabbert.

He hopes that the Olympics is now inspiring the next generation of young budding athletes.

"As a coach you always hope that," he said.

"I hope that the kids I coach are watching it."

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