Michael Phelps

If everything that had happened after Beijing had taught me anything, it was this—I could do anything I set my mind to. I know I can still swim faster. I mean, why not?

If you put a limit on anything, you put a limit on how far you can go. I don’t think anything is too high... If you think about doing the unthinkable, you can. The sky is the limit... Anything is possible. I deliberately set very high goals for myself; I work very hard to get there.

Everyone has obstacles. I learned that early in life. But I also learned another essential truth early. Dedication, grit, and willpower could go a long way in meeting, and beating, whatever challenges I would face.

If I wasn’t in the right mood to practice, I got myself into that right mood.

I knew that in my dreams I always wanted it, and though that under perfect circumstances I could do it. Just believing all along that you can do it goes a long way.

My goal was never to become the best athlete ever; it was simply to become the best athlete I could be.