I like to get in my own world. When I'm getting ready for a meet, I always have headphones on, listening to rap music to get myself fired up

Why is it such a big deal what I'm swimming?

Records are always made to be broken no matter what they are. Anybody can do anything that they set their mind to.

I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again.

I grew up around the pool with my sisters. Both of my sisters swam. I was always there. So I thought, why not? My mom put us in the water for water safety, so we were comfortable in the water in case anything ever happened. I learned that way, and started liking it more and more.

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

The one thing that's common to all successful people: They make a habit of doing things that unsuccessful people don't like to do.