Maria Sharapova has recalled being overwhelmed at the London Olympics as she looked forward to an attempt to claim gold for Russia at this year’s Games in Rio.
The Russian picked up the women’s singles silver medal four years ago, thrashed by arch-rival Serena Williams in the final, but it was the experience of mingling with fellow athletes that left a lasting impression.
“I think going into it, of course, you always think of the highest prize and the best prize you can get at an event,” she said of the Olympics after making the third round of the Australian Open.
“But the experience of being an Olympian is so fulfilling.”
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Sharapova, 28, born in Siberia but based in Florida since she was young, said she was “so overwhelmed just by the experience of being around other athletes and just really respected”.
“Getting a chance to go into the Olympic Village before the opening ceremonies and spending a few hours there and seeing all the different athletes,” she said.
“Some were actually working out in the garden; some boxers were shadow boxing. It was just really special to see, and you felt a unity.
“You felt these tremendous athletes maybe had never met or seen each other in person before, but we all really respected each other and really understood each other and what we go through as an athlete and the sacrifices and the hard work and the competition.
“So that was special. Just to be an Olympian is an incredible experience, and then once you get to the court and you’re facing opponents, of course you dream and visualise a gold medal.”
The Rio Olympics run from August 5-21.
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