My mom put me and my sisters in the water to feel comfortable, to have water safety.

I have reached a place in my life where I need to sit down and say, 'Well, what do I do? What's best for me?' I need to look into options for the future.

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.

If you're not on your 'A' game in our workouts every day, you're going to get absolutely smoked.

This is my 20th year in the sport. I've known swimming and that's it. I don't want to swim past age 30; if I continue after this Olympics, and come back in 2016, I'll be 31. I'm looking forward to being able to see the other side of the fence.

If I bring back only one gold people are going to say it's a disappointment. But not too many of them own an Olympic gold medal so if I get one I'm going to be happy.

Not having to travel and being able to settle in has helped me in training life and school life. I've learned to get a grip and take care of myself.