“I won't predict anything historic. But nothing is impossible.”

“I think to be - for me to be an American is - you know, it's one of the greatest things in the world for - you know, for me just because I've been able to grow up with everything. The freedom. You know, in my eyes this is the greatest country in the world.”

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

“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.”

“I want to test my maximum and see how much I can do. And I want to change the world of swimming.”

“I want to be able to look back and say, 'I've done everything I can, and I was successful.' I don't want to look back and say I should have done this or that. I'd like to change things for the younger generation of swimmers coming along.”

“Swimming is normal for me. I'm relaxed. I'm comfortable, and I know my surroundings. It's my home.”

“Even in high school, I'd tell my mom I was sick of swimming and wanted to try to play golf. She wasn't too happy. She'd say, 'Think about this.' And I'd always end up getting back in the pool.”

“I eat pretty much whatever I want. I don't have a strict diet. It's all about cramming in as many calories into my system as I possibly can.”

“If you want to be the best, you have to do things that other people aren't willing to do.”

“I can only control my own performance. If I do my best, then I can feel good at the end of the day.”