Michael Phelps Make-A-Wish friends recall time with the Olympian

PEORIA, IL -- Through the make a wish foundation, Kristen Koch and her family were flown to Michigan to spend the day with Michael Phelps in January of 2005.

Kristin Koch is now 16 and still remembers her time with Phelps in the pool.

"She had so much fun. She laughed the whole time in the pool and you could tell she was having the time of her life," explained Kristen's mother Tonya.

Four years later, the family still talks about the experience like it was yesterday.

Phelps gave the kids all kinds of gifts including signed swim caps.

Unknown at the time, Kristen was even an inspiration to an Olympian who was having a tough time adjusting to life after the Olympics.

"An article in ESPN magazine, he talked about how he met this girl who had Down Syndrome and health problems and through 'Make a Wish' and he got to swim with her and her family. And she just swam with so much joy that he realized that he needs to get back to swimming for the love of swimming and to swim for himself. So he talked about how Kristen got him back on track," explained Tonya.

"It was just an amazing feeling to see him with the kids. He's so natural and loving with Kristin, and gracious. He's just a very special person," said Tonya.

Since then the Koch's say Phelps has matured physically and emotionally.

They are excited for the Olympian as he continues to break records.