Roger Federer once valued his first meeting with his wife Mirka as his most cherished Olympic memory, ranking it above his gold medal in doubles. The Swiss clinched the coveted gold medal with Stan Wawrinka at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
With the 2012 London Olympics being held at SW19, the stage seemed perfectly set for then-six-time Wimbledon champion Federer to clinch the coveted gold medal in singles.
The prestigious sporting event held special significance for the Swiss, as he had met his wife Mirka at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Federer also had the honor of being Switzerland’s flag bearer during the opening ceremonies of Beijing 2008, the same edition where he clinched the doubles gold with Wawrinka.
In a 2010 interview with Reuters, the Swiss opened up about his aspirations for the 2012 London Olympics, shedding light on his deep “emotional” connection with the global sporting event.
“Ha ha. That’s why I’ve had very emotional Olympics. Meeting Mirka in Sydney, carrying the flag in Athens for the first time, then carrying the flag in Beijing on my birthday on the 8th of August and then winning the gold,” he said.
Roger Federer also disclosed that participating in the Olympics was a “dream” come true, despite feeling the pressure to achieve something special at each edition of the event.
“I’ve always had something special happening at all the Olympics. It’s changed how other athletes look at me today at the Olympics. I can barely do the opening ceremonies as they (other athletes) eat me up as I wait inside,” he said.
“I’m happy to go through with it because for me it’s a dream to be a part of the Olympic spirit and everything it stands for. I like being there,” he added.
Although Federer found it difficult to choose his most cherished Olympic memory between meeting his wife Mirka and winning the doubles gold with Stan Wawrinka, he eventually picked his “long-lasting” relationship with his wife Mirka and their twin daughters, Myla Rose and Charlene.
“I couldn’t choose (which one was more memorable) but obviously Mirka is long-lasting, I’ve had 10 incredible years with her, I’ve two beautiful kids with her so I guess that’s my number one pick,” he said.
“It’s going to inspire me more” – Roger Federer on his and wife Mirka’s daughters watching him compete at 2012 London Olympics
Despite triumphing over Murray at the grasscourt major, the Swiss fell short at the same venue four weeks later, as the Brit claimed a dominant 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 victory to clinch the coveted gold medal.
Edited by Urvi Mehra