Quotes from Michael Phelps

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

There is a one woman in China that claimed she paid $50 to get my e-mail address. It was pretty shocking. I got one this morning from Scotland. A girl's requesting a signed photo of me.

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.

You can't put a limit on aything. The more you dream, the father you get.

Nothing is impossible. With so many people saying it couldn't be done, all it takes is an imagination.

If you say "can't" you're restricting what you can do or ever will do.

You can't put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get.

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

I think everything is possible as long as long as you put your mind, work and time into it.

If I didn't swim my best, I'd think about it at school, at dinner, with my friends. It would drive me crazy.

Every day after I wake up, I think, 'Wait... this can't be real; I'm still going to wake up.

I knew I was not a failure in any way, and so did those close to me. It doesn't matter if you fall short; it is never a failure to go after your goals with everything you've got.

That's it. Thats Bob's game. His drill...is really quite simple- make a habit of doing things other's weren't willing to do.

In business, words are words, explanations are explanations, promises are promises, but only performance is reality.

At the hospital, I was asked for my autograph; I'm right-handed and couldn't sign. So I was asked for photos. While hooked up to IV lines.

I think that everything is possible as long as you put your mind to it and you put the work and time into it. I think your mind really controls everything.

I'm doing this for me. If I don't become as successful as you all think I would be or should be and you think it tarnishes my career, then that's your own opinion. I'm doing this because I want to come back and I enjoy being in the pool and I enjoy being in the sport of swimming.