Don't be fooled by their size - kids at the Miami Springs Aquatic Center are making big waves.

"I'm planning to compete in the Olympics and one day become a gold medalist,” swimmer Andy Garcia told NBC 6.

The group is also some of fellow Floridian Ryan Lochte's biggest fans.

Lochte's Rise to Fame

Before the London Olympics, the swimming phenomenon met the young swimmers and encouraged them to stay on course.

"I shook his hand. He's really nice, he's really nice guy and he talked about what type of stroke I like best,” Garcia said.

Valentina Rios showed off her picture with the Olympic star, who shared tips to help her perfect her technique.

"He does the strokes that I do and he helps me improve those strokes,” Rios said.

Matthew Amor, another young swimmer also shared some of Lochte’s advice.

"He said to always have fun and enjoy it and when it's actually time to get to competition to concentrate, and swim hard,” Amor said.

He says he spends up to 20 hours a week in the pool.

"I spend a lot of time in the pool cause, cause I want to get faster in swimming and improve on my times,” he said.

At just 11 years old, the group of young swimmers have been collecting medals of their own, but they're also keeping a close eye on the Olympic scoreboard.

Swimming Day 1 Finals

"I just want him to beat Phelps and prove that Phelps is not the best swimmer, that Lochte is,” Amor said.

And so far, Lochte seems to be showing the world he's just that.

"Anything's possible, anything's possible,” Garcia said.

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