I always wondered what famous people were like in real life. I must confess the majority of my encounters with celebrities have included me fan-girling and making a complete fool of myself. The time I accidentally met one of my favorite Olympic swimmers was no exception.

My parents sent me off to Longhorn swim camp at the University of Texas in Austin during my junior year of high school. I was shocked I was going in the first place; it was a highly coveted camp to attend, because Olympic swimmers would visit the aquatic center during the week to help coach us.

I was at the peak of my swimming career, but wanted extra training time and definitely couldn't pass up the opportunity to swim at the same aquatic center the NCAA's were held at. My 'man crush Mondays,' in speedos up close and personal certainly helped as well.

I was outside the aquatic center one morning, waiting on my group to head back to our dorm, when Aaron Peirsol walked up. Aaron Peirsol is a former Olympic swimmer who is most known for his perfect form in the backstroke. He also attended and swam for the University of Texas in Austin, so he frequently returned during his off season.

17-year-old me lacked more social skills than I currently do at 23, and looked even more awkward. I was frozen in the middle of the doorway watching an angel approach me. Aaron turned to his friend next to him and said in the most charming Texas drawl, "It's pretty humid outside."

At this time, I was still standing alone in the middle of the doorway, blocking their entrance. Aaron said, "Excuse me," and I panicked. Inside, I was screaming at my motor skills, which seemed to be nonexistent. I stood there for at least a good four seconds – just looking into his eyes.

All I could get out of my mouth was, "Yeah man." I hated myself. I was in the presence of someone I could only dream of meeting and all I could muster up to say to him was, "Yeah man."

However, my awkward encounter ended up working in my benefit. When it was time for the meet and greet with all the Olympians at the end of practice that afternoon, Aaron remembered me and drew a heart next to his autograph on my shirt.

Never stop fan-girling your favorite celebrities; you just might get yourself a hand written heart on your shirt.