Geneva, Sep 6 (NationPress) After a quarter-century since her Olympic debut, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Kirsty Coventry reflected on her remarkable Olympic journey that initiated at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

"At just 16, I stepped onto the pool deck at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. I was wide-eyed, anxious, and brimming with aspirations. It was my first Olympic experience, and I was completely unaware of what lay ahead," Coventry stated in an IOC announcement as Sydney commemorated the 25th anniversary of the opening of the 2000 Olympic Games, as reported by Xinhua.

"I vividly recall watching Susie O'Neill warm up and whispering to my coach, 'That’s Susie O'Neill!' He kindly asked, 'What do you see?' I was too starstruck to respond, and he remarked, 'I see another girl, another woman just like you.' That moment made me realize: I truly belonged here."

Even though she did not make it to the finals in Sydney, the experience ignited her career. Coventry went on to secure three medals (one gold, one silver, and one bronze) at the Athens 2004 Olympics, followed by two more medals (one gold and one silver) at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

"Sydney was not merely my inaugural Olympic Games - it was the spark," she declared. "I celebrated my 17th birthday on race day, met Muhammad Ali in the Olympic Village, and grew fond of lamingtons (an Australian dessert). However, most importantly, I experienced the profound essence of the Olympic spirit."

Arram Kim, IOC Head of Olympic Games Impact and Legacy, also shared his reflections on the Games last Friday. "Sydney 2000 instilled a sense of unity among Australians that transcended sports. It was a moment when the nation united and shared an experience that continues to be cherished," Kim noted.

Coventry remarked that the legacy of Sydney continues to influence Australia as it gears up for Brisbane 2032.

"For me, Sydney laid the groundwork for everything that followed - Athens, Beijing, London, Rio. And now, as IOC President, it shapes my perspective on Brisbane 2032," she shared.

"I understand the possibilities when a nation embraces the Olympic Games with passion and intent. I recognize the impact they can have on a young athlete, a community, and a generation. Sydney marked the beginning. Brisbane will be a fresh chapter. And somewhere out there, a young girl is observing, dreaming, and preparing to craft her own narrative."