There is a one woman in China that claimed she paid $50 to get my e-mail address. It was pretty shocking. I got one this morning from Scotland. A girl’s requesting a signed photo of me.
If you’re not on your ‘A’ game in our workouts every day, you’re going to get absolutely smoked.
When I race, I don’t think about it; it just happens.
I would visualize the best- and worst-case scenarios. Whether I get disqualified or my goggles fill up with water or I lose my goggles or I come in last, I’m ready for anything.
So, you know, if, if I wanted to get up and just play golf one day, I would just get up and play golf. If I wanted to go to Vegas, I would just get up and go to Vegas.
I feel like Aaron brings out the best in me.
I’ve always been fortunate in that I’ve been able to put myself in my own zone and relax. It comes naturally. I’m lucky to be that way.
I like to get in my own world. When I’m getting ready for a meet, I always have headphones on, listening to rap music to get myself fired up.
Even in high school, I’d tell my mom I was sick of swimming and wanted to try to play golf. She wasn’t too happy. She’d say, ‘Think about this.’ And I’d always end up getting back in the pool.
I don’t have a strict diet. It’s all about cramming in as many calories into my system as I possibly can. To be honest with you, I have a tough time keeping weight on.
I believe in God; I’m not saying I’m highly religious.
I think sometimes I guess you see records, say you want to get there and use that as motivation. In a way, it’s kind of cool if there is a possibility to rewrite history and be up there with the greats of Olympic history.
I’m the same kind of guy before all this happened.
I always thought, it would be neat to make the Olympic team.
I can’t remember the last day I didn’t train.
I won’t predict anything historic. But nothing is impossible.
Swimming is normal for me. I’m relaxed. I’m comfortable, and I know my surroundings. It’s my home.
If I bring back only one gold people are going to say it’s a disappointment. But not too many of them own an Olympic gold medal so if I get one I’m going to be happy.
I try to separate my personal life from swimming.
I finished my career the way I wanted to.