It's cool just because I've had this dream of changing the sport of swimming and it's finally happening.

Water has always been a large part of my life, so for me now, being a father with another child on the way, I'm just teaching some of the small things I've been able to learn - and passing that onto the younger generation. Small things like turning your faucet off when you brush your teeth, not taking a 30-minute shower when you really don't need to. So I want to teach the younger generation to spread the message and make a difference. I'm almost more excited to do this than I was to swim.

I feel most at home in the water. I disappear. That's where I belong.

I always thought, it would be neat to make the Olympic team.

I don't like to be second in anything. I was trying, I just wasn't going anywhere.

And, you know, being able to wear the stars and stripes, when you step up on one of the blocks or, you know, when you step off of an airplane or when you hear the national anthem play, you know, it's one of the greatest feelings in the world because you know that there are people at home who are supporting you and watching you.

Nothing is impossible. With so many people saying it couldn't be done, all it takes is an imagination.