Olympic gold medalist Missy Franklin on the ‘most epic moment’ for every American swimmer ahead of 2024 Games

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The Olympic experience is unlike any other. 

It is the culmination of hard work, dedicated training, mental fortitude, and so much more. It is also a moment few athletes get to share in – representing your country on the biggest international stage. 

Missy Franklin of the United States prepares to start the Women's 200m Backstroke Final on Day 7 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on August 3, 2012, in London, England. (Clive Rose/Getty Images)

"It’s so hard to put into words," Missy Franklin, a six-time Olympic medalist, told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.  

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"One of the most epic moments as a swimmer is when you first make the national team. And it's the first time you get a cap with the American flag and your name on it. And that moment as a swimmer, is like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ That's your ‘I've made it moment’" 

That moment first came for Franklin in 2012 when she got the chance to represent Team USA at the Summer Games in London. Franklin, who was just 17 at the time, dominated the pool winning five medals, including four gold, and set several records in the process. 

"No matter what the meet is, having your name alongside an American flag and realizing that you are not just representing your club team, you're not just representing your family, you're not just representing yourself – you're representing your country."

Megan Romano and Missy Franklin, right, of the USA celebrate after the Swimming Women's 4x100m Freestyle on day nine of the 15th FINA World Championships at Palau Sant Jordi on July 28, 2013, in Barcelona, Spain. (Adam Pretty/Getty Images)