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 Age
I can only control my own performance. If I do my best, then I can feel good at the end of the day. -Michael Phelps Best
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. -Michael Phelps Change
Swimming is normal for me. I'm relaxed. I'm comfortable, and I know my surroundings. It's my home. -Michael Phelps Fitness
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. -Michael Phelps Freedom
I think goals should never be easy, they should force you to work, even if they are uncomfortable at the time. -Michael Phelps Work
Swimming is normal for me. I'm relaxed. I'm comfortable, and I know my surroundings. It's my home. -Michael Phelps Home
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. -Michael Phelps Freedom
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. -Michael Phelps Mom
If you want to be the best, you have to do things that other people aren't willing to do. -Michael Phelps Best
It's cool just because I've had this dream of changing the sport of swimming and it's finally happening. -Michael Phelps Cool
I can only control my own performance. If I do my best, then I can feel good at the end of the day. -Michael Phelps Good
I think goals should never be easy, they should force you to work, even if they are uncomfortable at the time. -Michael Phelps Time
I think sometimes I guess you see records, say you want to get there and use that as motivation. In a way, it's kind of cool if there is a possibility to rewrite history and be up there with the greats of Olympic history. -Michael Phelps Cool
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. -Michael Phelps Home
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. -Michael Phelps Diet
I want to test my maximum and see how much I can do. And I want to change the world of swimming. -Michael Phelps Change
