Alex: This is an amazing story of being in the right place at the right time. I was outside the Water Cube before Michael Phelps’ race for his eighth gold medal, and tickets were going for $500-$800 (U.S.) a piece.

There was a lot of commotion when a relative of an Australian swimmer showed up with two extras. He decided to give one to a “die-hard Aussie fan” for face value. But then this so-called fan turned around and sold the ticket for $600. That’s when I approached the relative, begged for the ticket and promised I would walk into the Cube with him.

He agreed. I got to see Phelps win his eighth gold. What an Olympic story.

– Alex Steinberg.