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Answers by Rowdy Gaines, 3x Olympic Gold Medalist Swimmer, NBC Olympics Swimming Analyst, on Quora.
A: We are in the glory days of swimming now with Michael Phelps in his 5th Olympics and already the owner of 22 medals. Katie Ledecky is the most dominant athlete in the world in my opinion and will be very good in the distance events. Missy Franklin was the golden girl 4 years later and although she's struggled a little over the last two years will be a force in 3 events in Rio. And Ryan Lochte and his 11 medals will be amazing to watch, especially that classic duel against Michael in the 200 IM Aug 11.
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Q: What are your thoughts, if any, while swimming during competitions? What are those few minutes like?
A: You go over the race a million times in your head before you get on the block, so when the race actually happens there is not a lot to think about except nailing your turns and race! I never swam faster than when I had someone next to me or ahead of me. It inspired me to swim faster, and that was so much fun.
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A: I was just having this conversation with some of our current Olympians who couldn't decide on whether or not to march in the opening ceremonies here in Rio. It is completely a personal decision, but for me I made the right choice by deciding to march in the opening ceremony. It was as big of a thrill for me as actually winning the gold medal. To walk out and have 100,000 people cheering for you (my Olympics was in Los Angeles, California) is something I will never forget. The togetherness of the athletes from all the countries to be able to go out there and say you're a true Olympian was a very proud moment for me.
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