By making a comeback, I'm changing the attitude of people toward me. If I'd known that people would react so enthusiastically, I'd have done it years ago.

When you need a lifestyle change due to [health issues], a dietary change is usually the first thing you need to take control of.

If you want to be Mark Spitz then go for it. If you want to be Michael Phelps then you'll have to work for it. Nobody should wake up to a lower expectation of themselves.

I always wanted to be a dentist from the time I was in high school, and I was accepted to dental school in the spring of 1972. I was planning to go, but after the Olympics there were other opportunities.

I walked away from the sport for 17 years, then started swimming again recently in a master's program.

Yes, I believe that the art of winning is through intimidation, and not necessarily do you have to speak about it.

I swam my brains out.