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Getting to the Olympics was, has always been, my swimming dream since I was 8 or 9 years old. You know, right after I started swimming it was, 'I want to make an Olympic team. That's where I want to be.'

I was running track early in my years and I was breaking track records in sprint running. I was training and I wanted to be in the Olympics. I thought I was going to be able to win a gold medal, and my mind was pretty much set on 'this is what I want to do'.

I want to continue the sport of swimming. I'm not going to give up until I think it's reached where I want it to go.

Most people take long breaks after Olympics. I needed some normalcy back in my life, so I came back to the pool.

I've actually medalled in every single swimming meet except for the Olympics, so that's the goal. I want to get on that podium - I really do. But for me, that's not something I can control... so I will be happy with going out there and swimming a race that I'm proud of.

I wanted to be an Olympic swimmer when I was growing up.

When I chose athletics, I knew I wanted to be Olympic champion, and now I have done it in London.

I always wanted to be Olympic champion and do clean programs.

I started out doing triathlons because they terrified me! I'm a good swimmer, I learned to ride a bike in college, and I hate running. It seemed like something I could never do, so I decided, 'I'm gonna do it.'

I have the opportunity to be part of swimming history. To take the sport to a new level would be an honor for me. There's no better time to try this than now.