Andy Murray: tennis was a lot more fun when I was 12 The fourth seed was one of the players asked to contribute by picking their Olympic hero. He selected 400m world record holder Michael Johnson, saying he was "in awe" of him. Murray described meeting the sprinter and said: "He was a really nice guy, really down to earth and very calm, and that's why for me he was the one Olympian that stood out. I liked watching him because when you see someone in sport like that, how much better he was and how far in front he was, I find that exciting, that each time you get on the track you have the potential to break records and win medals. In response, the Olympic heroes were asked to reply for the book, and Johnson said he had monitored Murray's career. He said he was impressed with his achievements. Referring to the upcoming Olympics, Murray said: "For me, by far, the Olympics is the biggest sporting event in the world. To be involved in it was just great and I can't wait to be involved again this year. I know there's going to be a lot of pressure for sure and I think because it's at Wimbledon it's going to add more to it. Other interviews in the book, which is launched today, included Roger Federer, who named tennis gold medallist Marc Rosset as his Olympic hero, and Kim Clijsters, who said high-jumper Tia Hellebaut was her Games idol. Defending champion Novak Djokovic spoke movingly about growing up during difficult times in Serbia. He said: "When a lot of things are going the wrong way for a country, for a people, when you can't really think of anything worse than a war, you always try to take life on the brighter side and that's how I grew up with my parents. I was always surrounded with very encouraging and positive people and I was in a sport environment, so that gave me a lot of confidence, a lot of freedom to be disciplined, to dream and to become what I am today. His Olympic hero was alpine skier Alberto Tomba. ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said: "I believe this book shows the impact the Olympics has had on the lives of the current generation of tennis players, and how proud they are to represent their countries in the Olympic and Paralympic Tennis Events. The book also highlights the mutual respect between tennis players and athletes from other sports, with the Games providing a unique opportunity for all athletes to come together.