I really believe in setting goals, no matter what it is: whether it's losing five pounds or making the world championship team.

People will get into the habit of doing the same thing over and over again, and you'll stop seeing changes in your body. If you add variety and spice things up, I think it'll help you to stay motivated.

Michael wasn't on the pool deck, which was hard for me. None of my old Coral Springs teammates were around. Still, that old plane of cement felt like home. I folded my clothes and put them on the bench. I placed my water bottle under my starting block, and I dove in. Once again, I felt that ultimate state of transition, my feet no longer on the ground, my hands not yet in the water.

I really believe in setting goals, no matter what it is: whether it's losing five pounds or making the world championship team.

You don't have to put an age limit on your dreams.

When I feel like my body is exhausted, I focus on making my fifth Olympic team so I can push through it.

I'd proven to the world that maturity, experience, dedication, and ingenuity can make up for a little senescence. Muscle tightening is not the only thing that happens to our bodies over time. We gain knowledge, focus, and understanding, and those things can help us win.