I've always dreamed of an Olympic medal.
I was at the Olympic Games winning medals and I still doubted my image. I doubted what I looked like. That's sad.
One thing I've learned from winning an Olympic medal is that it's really exhausting.
On the street, I'll hear, 'You made the Olympics for me,' or 'I love what you represented.' Only occasionally is it, 'You were a flop, an also-ran, a loser.'
I've gone through a lot in my life, I have seen a lot of struggles and difficulties. I have braved it all and won medals for my country with my determination.
I want to win a gold medal in London.
I remember my first World Championships. I got zero turns, and I got turned multiple times, and I was still a World Champion.
All that work you put in, it's so worth it to win a medal.
I have tons of pictures of myself as a kid with my medals, and they were never gold medals.
My dream is to get gold medal both in the world championship and the Olympics.
To be looked up to as one of the Americans that's supposed to carry the torch, go to the major championships and get medals, that's a huge honour.
I won the 2011 Visa Championships, the 2012 Pacific Rims, and then the 2013 American Cup (the first and only senior elite competition of my elite career).
My earliest memory of the Olympics was watching the 1996 Games in Atlanta. I remember everyone being so excited to watch. Seeing the American athletes on the podium, I saw myself. I knew that that was what I wanted to do. I wanted to be one of those athletes on the podium representing their country and bringing home medals.
It means a lot to be an Olympian. I'm obviously so grateful and feel so lucky I was able to achieve my dream of winning an Olympic gold medal.
It is extremely difficult to get a medal at the World Championships, even more than the Olympics. And when one is not 100 per cent prepared, it is next to impossible to win a medal there.
My only aim is to win an Olympic medal.
I feel good. I'm up there. I got third in the 100 'fly, I've qualified in the top eight already for the 100 freestyle.
I take a lot of pride in my first '92 gold medal.
I'm not disappointed with bronze. It's always good to come away with a medal.
It's incredible. Nine? Wow. I just remember winning my first one, getting the medal and the plate, the pin with the diamond for first place. My ninth title, I have no answer for that because I never thought it would be possible.
While paralyzed, I won a gold and three silver medals as a competitive swimmer.
I'm a guy who wins medals rather than runs fast times, so for me, what keeps me going is winning medals for my country and making my nation proud.
I won my tournament. I won the Silver Medal.
I actually think the last time I stood with a race medal around my neck was after an eighth grade cross-country meet. I was gawky and 65 pounds soaking wet, and running 10 miles a day was no big deal.
I was blessed with a long career where I won gold medals for myself and my country. Nothing stands out as a disappointment.
