Michael Phelps

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

Michael Phelps

My strategy is that I actually have absolutely no strategy.

Michael Phelps

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.

Michael Phelps

One thing with me, and every goal I’ve had – in the sport of swimming, my mother didn’t know my goals. The only person that knew my goals were my coaches.

Michael Phelps

People say to me, ‘You’re so lucky. You get to see the world.’ But I don’t. I go to the hotel and to the pools and back again. That’s it.

Michael Phelps

Some days you learn from a book; other days you learn from hours of practice; and then there are the times you’re so embarrassed by something, you know you’ll never do it again.

Michael Phelps

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

Michael Phelps

There were times I wouldn’t come to practice, because it didn’t excite me. It wasn’t interesting. I was kind of going through the motions.

Michael Phelps

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.

Michael Phelps

This is the first medal I’ve ever won in an international meet. For it to be gold is incredible. It feels great. I can’t explain it.

Michael Phelps