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.
If you want to be the best, you have to do things that other people aren’t willing to do.
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.
Things won’t go perfect. It’s all about how you adapt from those things and learn from mistakes.
My goal is one Olympic gold medal. Not many people in this world can say, ‘I’m an Olympic gold medalist.’
I know it won’t be eight medals again. If you want to compare me to that, that’s your decision, not mine. I’m going out there to try to accomplish the things that I have in my mind and in my heart.
Why is it such a big deal what I’m swimming?
I used to always go to church on holidays, but I don’t go much any more.
Once I retire, I’m retiring. I’m done.
The only reason I started swimming was for water safety. Then, once I started falling in love with sports, I got more comfortable with it.
One thing with me, and every goal I’ve had – – in the sport of swimming, my mother didn’t know my goals. The only person that knew my goals were my coaches.
I’m kind of a creature of habit. Once I get used to doing things, it’s like second nature.
Things can change in the blink of an eye!
My strategy is that I actually have absolutely no strategy.
When you use your imagination anything can happen.
I grew up around the pool with my sisters. Both of my sisters swam. I was always there. So I thought, why not? My mom put us in the water for water safety, so we were comfortable in the water in case anything ever happened. I learned that way, and started liking it more and more.
I see my goals as personal and I always have. That’s just been how I’ve worked.