"I was sweating bullets... I forgot I was there to try and win a medal" - Andy Murray recalls getting 'swept up' during Olympics debut at Beijing 2008

British tennis star Andy Murray reflected on his Olympic journey ahead of Paris 2024, reminiscing about the highs, lows and overall experience during the Games. With his sights set on a medal, Murray recalled a pivotal moment of learning from his 2008 outing at the Beijing Olympics.

He said (via ITF):

"I learned loads from the Beijing 2008 Olympics. It was one of the biggest learning experiences of my career. I got swept up in the whole event. I went to the Opening Ceremony, and it went on late. I was sweating bullets. It was callous conditions, and I forgot what I was actually there to do, which was to try to win a medal for my country."

Murray had come fresh off a win at the Cincinnati Open but did not go adequately prepared and lost in the first round. He recalled how he was dehydrated and was having cramps early on in the game. He shared that the loss served as a reminder for him to get focused and perform to the best of his abilities in the next Olympics.

Murray's promise to himself bore fruit at the 2012 Olympics held at his home turf in London, where he was also coming off after a Wimbledon loss. His preparation and determination paid off as he won his first Olympic gold.

"The final at London 2012 was one of my career's biggest, best days. It was one of the biggest wins of my career against Roger Federer in the final," he added.

Four years later, Murray carried the British flag at the opening ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympics, describing it as a massive honor. He reiterated how he loved his sport and country and that competing at the Olympics meant something more unique to him since they came only once every four years. He managed to clinch the gold medal again in a grueling four-set thriller against Argentine, Del Potro, which he considers one of his best-ever wins.

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Andy Murray will be hanging up his racket after the Paris Olympics

After a setback right before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where he had to withdraw due to a quadricep strain, Andy Murray remains determined to compete in Paris. He will etch his name in history as the player with the most gold medals in the Men's singles event if he is able to win this year.

Andy Murray on Day Four: The Championships - Wimbledon 2024 | Getty Images

The 37-year-old tennis recently reiterated on X that the 2024 Paris Olympics will mark his final appearance on the tennis court. He wrote:

"I arrived in Paris for my last-ever tennis tournament. Competing for Team GB has been the most memorable week of my career, and I'm extremely proud to have done it one final time!"

Murray will compete in both the singles and the doubles tournaments, ending an illustrious career spanning three Grand Slam titles and two Olympic Gold medals.