She swam her way into the record books with a scintillating breaststroke gold double in the 100m and 200m at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta.
But even after achieveing that astounding feat, and 14 other world records during her career, South African great Penny Heyns still had reason to envy the children that were gathered for the opening of a swimming club, Dubaiswim, at JESS Jumeirah.
Heyns, who was invited by the club's founding members, Candy Fanucci and former Australian swimming coach Greg Hodge, to help with the launch, said: "It's a great facility.
"I never had exposure to this when I was a kid, as nice a pool as this and definitely not coaches of the calibre of Greg, with his experience of coaching top swimmers in Australia. So for the young kids, I don't think they realise how privileged they are."
It is never easy for children as young as four pay attention to words of advice, but as Heyns spoke they did appear to be all ears.
"I don't know how much went in," said Heyns, smiling, "But if I were them I would just want to get in the pool. In fact every kid should be encouraged to compete as even if they don't have the swimming talent, there is a lot they can carry from the sport to other disciplines like music to academics.
"And the more kids we can encourage to swim, the better opportunity there is for the UAE as a nation to pick the talent out and develop it further."
Heyns took to the waters at an early age, but conceded that Dubaiswim's youngest members have a headstart.
"I don't know what age I learnt to swim, probably very early – two to three. I swam for the school team from the age of seven even though the rest don't start till nine.
"But never competed seriously at club level until I was about 12, so these kids are way ahead of where I was."
Hodge, who finished his three-year stint with the UAE national swimming team earlier this year and will now be heavily dedicated to the coaching role at Dubaiswim, was grateful for Heyn's presence at the opening, saying:
"Young children need role models throughout their lives. Swimming is one of those sports where one can really go far. So on a long-term perspective, it is good for them to see someone in her early thirties, and a girl, who is still fit and has achieved so much at Olympic and international level in person."
The Programme
Element 1
Foundation learn to swim: Half-hour classes
Age: Four to six years
When: Sunday to Wednesday 1pm-2pm
Element 2
Learn to swim: Half-hour classes
Age: Six years and up
When: Sunday to Thursday 3pm-6pm; Saturday 8am to 12noon
Element 3
Stroke development: 45 minutes to one hour
Age: All ages for children who have mastered breaststroke and butterfly kick and can swim 100m freestyle and backstroke
When: Sunday to Thursday 3pm-6pm
Element 4
Competition squads
Designed for: Children who wish to take up swimming as their main full-time after-school activity. For children who are committed to attend club and inter-club, GCC and overseas competitions. Entry for these squads is by invitation only
Element 5
Fitness Squads
Triathlon
School Swimming
Adults
