ITF

146 I t was something big, taking into account we were not favourites at all. It was a difficult draw and we had never imagined it. We were playing step by step with no big expectations. I think this helped us to play without pressure. I remember well those days, the Olympic spirit, seeing other medal ceremonies from other sports, and then some days later, being part of one of them. It was a joy to know we secured a medal. These are the kind of moments when you close your eyes and you say, "I cannot believe where I am." You cannot comprehend being in that place, at that moment. It is like a dream. Taking part in the Olympic Games is one of the biggest rewards I had as a tennis player. Getting the medal was an extra pleasure. Every four years, when the Games are near, I remember it. But the big thing is all the learning you keep with you from those days of being part of a sporting community. It is the fascination of living every single moment a new sensation you never previously had. You are used to being near the big names of your sport, they are part of your common life. But this kind of experience makes you feel more alive. The Games had always been special for me even before I was part of them. My first opportunity was in Seoul when I partnered Martin Jaite. A year in advance, I went to Mexico to take part in a pre-Olympic tournament and for some people it was a strange decision from my side. So the medal in Barcelona was at the end of a long Olympic journey. As a professional tennis player you are able to play and not think a lot about the situation itself. Our mentality was changing every round, thinking that if we won the semifinal, the final would be easier for us. You are in that illusion, in that fight. Barcelona was special because we were the only Argentinians with a real chance of winning a medal. So, our country's delegation was really excited. It has always been my most important achievement. The Games were the best present of my career. Going home was incredible. For the first time you were on the streets and people knew you and congratulated you. Everyone came up to me and explained how they had experienced and enjoyed the match, some of them in front of electrical stores watching on the TVs. People were grateful about what we had done, and that was magic. It has always been my most important achievement. As I said, the Games were the best present of my career. I didn't have that many trophies, but tennis made one of my dreams come true, being in the Games, taking part in the opening ceremony, living in the Olympic Village together with the best athletes in the world. You feel quite little next to these giants. Sometimes I'm introduced with mention of my medal but I don't pay much attention to it. For me, it's a personal experience. I fought for that medal, and this is something I keep in my heart, on the inside. Javier Frana Javier Frana

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