Over the next few weeks, 133 Irish athletes are going to experience what it feels like to become an Olympian, including many for the first time.
"It's just so, so special," Rio silver medalist Annalise Murphy says of becoming an Olympian.
"To be able to represent our little country, Ireland, on a global stage" was a particular highlight for her at the three Olympics she competed in.
Trap Shooter Derek Burnett has been to five games, his first being Sydney 2000. He still remembers the nerves of competing for the first time. "I could feel my hand with the tick of my heart," he says.
But being to multiple Olympics also provides opportunity for a leadership role as Michael Carruth found out at his second Olympics in Barcelona 1992. He was team captain of the boxing squad and brought home Team Ireland’s first gold in 36 years.
Watch our video to find out more on what it means to become an Olympian.
