Meeting Phelps was a memorable experience

I was just 19 when I took part at the Olympics in Athens. So, just to be there was a big deal for me. I didn’t know what to expect. I knew it was the biggest platform for any sportsperson and was too excited.

I got to meet the world’s best athletes. It was a humbling yet an overwhelming experience. Personally, what I enjoyed the most was how the athletes functioned at the village. There were around 10,000 of them, eating together, training together and living together. The friendship that you build there is so different and unique.

Everyone treated each other equally and with respect irrespective of whether you came in as a wild card or as a defending champion. That is something I will always remember and was the standout point for me.

Another memorable experience was meeting Michael Phelps. He was already a star then. I got to speak to him and also had a meal together as one of my friends, who I trained with in the US, was close to Phelps. It was amazing. I was not treated any differently and was just made to feel at home. Also, the history factor of being at Athens added to the feel. Being at the home of Olympics, seeing so much of Olympic history around you made it all the more special.

And about my race, well, I was quite nervous given the fact that I was only 19. I wish I had done better but it was an experience in itself. I did the best I could and I don’t think I could ask for more.

—Shikha Tandon took part in 50m and 100m freestyle at the 2004 Athens. She recently completed her Masters in Biology and is currently in the US. She spoke to Krithika Gopalkrishnan