The Olympics has not tended to figure very highly on the agenda of most of the world's top players since it was reintroduced to the Games in 1988, coming behind the four Grand Slam events in their schedules, but Gilbert is one player for whom the Olympic tournament has special significance.

 

He was a bronze medallist in Seoul 18 years ago and said it is the biggest regret of his career that he did not win the gold.

 

"Going through that 17 days at the Olympics was, for me, the highlight of my sporting life," said GIlbert, addressing a group of nearly 300 coaches at the UK Sport coaching conference at the Belfry in Sutton Coldfield today.

 

"When I started coaching Andre Agassi in 1994 he asked me if I had any regrets and I said, 'If I could change one moment in my life I would change that bronze medal for a gold medal'. It was in my sights but I feel I screwed it up.

 

"I said to Andre, 'If you can fix one thing for me, just win the 1996 Olympics (in Atlanta)'. He said, 'If it means that much to me, okay'. Sure enough the guy did.

 

"Obviously with the Games coming to London in 2012 Andy'll be ready to do some great things. People talk about being an Olympian but it is not until you put on the jacket that you feel the passion. Put on the jacket and it says, 'GB' it has a difference.

 

"It's such a special feeling, things like staying in the athletes village can shape you for the rest of your lives. You meet some great people and have a lifetime of memories."