Etienne was 10 years old at the time. His parents were never around. He was confident, self sufficient and absolutely stuck to my side every time I walked around the Olympic speed skiing venue. Although he's 32 years old today you have to wonder what impression was made at the Olympics then... and what kinds of impressions are being left on young minds today.

At this very moment, a Russian boy or girl is following an Olympian somewhere in Sochi. The dynamic is heartwarming. The power of the Olympic movement plays out on both highlight reels and in chance encounters at the Games themselves.

Etienne only spoke French. I used to think I spoke pretty good Francais, but alas, every time I would speak to Etienne he would raise an eyebrow, shrug his facial features and then nod. He was shy and reserved. 

After the speed skiing competition, Etienne knew I was disappointed. He grabbed my hand, gushed a flurry of empathetic commentary and he locked his eyes with quiet assurance. The roles of reverence were flipped. 

On the day before I would leave Albertville, Etienne showed up again. I had been accumulating a bag of pins. It took this young French lad both hands to receive this unexpected gift. His mouth dropped open. He stood motionless. 

Knowing this would be the last time I'd see the youngster, but wanting to keep it light, I said, "à bientôt mon ami." (I'll see you later my friend.) Tears welled in his eyes but he held his head up to keep eye contact. 

You and I... we make decisions in life at times of emotional intensity.

The first impression of the Olympics I can remember were the Opening Ceremonies at the Summer Games in 1976. Even though Montreal was 2,000 miles away and the march of the athletes was coming across a small television... the energy was visceral. It was captivating for a 14-year-old boy to be struck by the emotion of the moment.

As an Olympic keynote speaker, I sometimes relate the story of my own emotional buzz moment. It was two years later, at 16 years old, as I was experiencing the opening ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games. My mom still reminds me of how I was pumping my hands in the air saying, "I love this. I love this. I love this."

Think back in your youth and identify what impressions you had from influencers in your past.

• How did they impact you? 
• What did they say and do that stays with you today?
• Just as important, what impressions are you making to those around you?

You never know when an Etienne will cross your path - or what impact you will have. You may never know. But are your actions held to the highest standard - an Olympic standard?

One of the principles of the modern Olympic Games supports international understanding.

In Sochi and across the globe, this is happening one child at a time.