Olympics

Former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh is mentoring his country's athletes at the Beijing Olympics.

Steve Waugh is in Beijing as a mentor and his immense experience dealing with the pressures of sport would definitely come in handy for the large Australian contingent ahead of the start of Olympics competition on Saturday.

"It's sensational, it's a real privilege to be here. To get up close and personal with so many sports and training venues and to see what they have put into their sports, I feel really honoured to be here," Waugh was quoted as saying to the agencies.

Waugh was seen lending some practical advice and encouragement to Australia's female beach volleyballers at the Chaoyang Park beach volleyball venue on Thursday.

"To get up close and personal with so many sports and training venues and to see what they have put into their sports, I feel really honoured to be here."

Steve Waugh who had captained Australia to a world cup win in 1999, believes he can deliver some knowledge about handling pressure in international sport. He is one of three athlete liaison staff working with the Australian athletes.

"I've met most of the teams over the last six to nine months, and I just try and build up a relationship and if any of the athletes need some words from any of us, then I guess our role is to pass on our own experiences in sport," he said.

"A lot of the same issues pop up no matter what sports you play, dealing with pressure, expectations, getting through injuries and just other little things," he added.

Athlete liaisons for other Australian sports in Beijing include former Wallabies rugby captain John Eales and swimming champion Susie O'Neill.