United Kingdom, Aug. 16 -- Shaquille O'Neal has revealed how one extraordinary year took him from an Olympic gold medal and a starring role in Kazaam.

The 54-year-old basketball legend reflected on 1996 while speaking to People about his new partnership with General Mills, saying the 12 months of success forced him to maintain a level of focus that helped shape the rest of his career.

During that single year, Shaquille joined the Los Angeles Lakers after four seasons with the Orlando Magic, represented the United States at the Atlanta Olympics, was selected for the NBA's 50th Anniversary Team, released his third studio album, You Can't Stop the Reign, and starred as a genie in the fantasy comedy Kazaam.

Shaquille said: "That was probab...