To look good in the water you have to pick the right swimsuit. I own close to 500.

The swimming community is really conservative. I don't know why, because we're in no clothing whatsoever.

I have kids. Unbeknownst to them, they are quick to snap me back to reality when I start feeling the pressure of being an athlete! It's a breath of fresh air to have two people to focus on; their happiness erases all the pressures I have on myself.

Almost religiously, I step away from everything and close my eyes and breathe deeply for a few moments. It helps solidify my focus and aligns everything in my body to take care of the task at hand - which is winning, of course.

My training centered on aerobic development, meaning I'd swim longer with less intensity during the majority of my practices. As I got older, I began more weight training, and my workouts went from long at a lower intensity to shorter and more intense.

I don't underestimate the power of mental preparation throughout all of my training. I'm in a much better state of mind about competition.

To look good in the water you have to pick the right swimsuit. I own close to 500.