Obviously for water safety, you want to learn just to be comfortable in the water; that's the main goal. I think the second that you start freaking out and feeling uncomfortable, it's not going to go well.

Before, it came easy for me. I don't have two speeds anymore. I need to focus on the small things that I once took for granted.

I like to just think of myself as a normal person who just has a passion, has a goal and a dream and goes out and does it. And that's really how I've always lived my life.

Eat, sleep and swim, that's all I can do.

I think goals should never be easy, they should force you to work, even if they are uncomfortable at the time.

I felt comfortable in the water. I was in my own world, focused. I love sports and I'm a very goal-oriented person. Once I started falling in love with sports, it was easy. I was able to put my mind on something and go for it. That's how I am with everything, it doesn't matter what it is that I do. If I want to do something, nothing will stand in my way.

I live a pretty conservative life, so I probably really haven't done anything crazy.