"You might think that because your country doesn't offer the same training conditions than any other swimming powerhouse, you won't be successful but in the end, it's you who set those goals to accomplish something."
"I grew up swimming in a 25m-pool without a filtration system where at times the water turned green and murky due to its high mineral content. Sometimes they started draining the pool for clean up before we finished training and I ended up swimming in 50 centimeters of water! I survived, it made me a better swimmer, more efficient maybe," she added.
A young swimmer sitting in the front raw, visibly touched by Moravcova's story, could not retain his tears.
Most of the swimmers taking part in the Youth Programme were barely born when Moravcova was at her prime in the 2000s. The medley, butterfly and freestyle specialist, whose both parents were swimmers, started her international career in 1992 at the Barcelona Olympics aged 16.
Amassing a total 67 medals at major meets, including two Olympic silvers and 22 World championships medals, Moravcova called time on a stellar career in 2008 in Beijing, having competed at five consecutive editions of the Games.
Martina Moravcova of Slovakia - Photo credit: Getty Images
She trained in Slovakia until 18, then left for the United States to be "pushed more", unlike many swimmers in her home country, who decide to retire and pursue their studies. The talented swimmer trained in Dallas, Texas under Steve Collins.
"Now you're under the guidance of your parents and coach but will come an age where you will have to think for yourself. I heard you were here to be great swimmers. Ultimately, you will have to make amazing sacrifices to do so," she said.
"I became the most successful swimmer in the collegiate history of swimming in the U.S. and I come from a country that hardly has swimming pools," Moravcova continued. The swimming great also dominated the FINA Swimming World Cup series in 2001.
The 38-year-old and mother of two also emphasised not to forget about life outside the pool.
"Right now you're swimmers but there's a bubble that is going to burst at some point: you won't be swimmers forever. Keep in mind that you cannot neglect the other parts of your life while you're swimming, especially education. There are no stupid or top class or accomplished swimmers."