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 think if you can be a goal-setting person, it makes it easier to stay motivated.

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

The water doesn't know how old you are.

I'm thinking that I shouldn't have filed my nails last night.

Never put an age limit on your dreams.

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