When I went to the Olympics, I had every intention of shaving the moustache off, but I realized I was getting so many comments about it — and everybody was talking about it — that I decided to keep it.

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.

We all love to win, but how many people love to train?

I am going to sit there and watch Michael Phelps break my record anonymously? That's almost demeaning to me. It is not almost - it is.

Swimming isn't everything - winning is.

If you are relaxing and subconsciously thinking about your coming race, you are going to perform at just about 100 percent efficiency.

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