Student: Mr. Phelps, how did you rise from countless failures?

Phelps: Every failure is a step towards success for me. I've been through a lot of disappointments, injuries, and even sometimes I feel like I can't swim anymore, but every time I tell myself that failure is just the flip side of success. It's important to learn from every failure and maintain a strong belief in your goals. Behind every gold medal, there are countless times of perseverance and hard work.

Student: So were there any really difficult moments in your training that you overcame over?

Phelps:There were a lot of times when I felt like I was at my limit and didn't want to continue. But I always remember why I started. I set a big goal – to be the greatest swimmer I can be. This belief motivates me to overcome my fatigue and surpass myself every day. Every swimming training is not only for physical improvement, but also for psychological tempering.

Phelps: I want you to remember that swimming is not just a competition, it's a contest with yourself. As long as you continue to work hard and break through your own limits, the future will definitely be different because of your persistence.

Student: Miss Ledecky, how do you cope with fatigue during long, intense training sessions?

Ledecky: For me, the biggest challenge is maintaining focus and endurance during high-intensity training and competitions. Often, my training isn’t as glamorous as the races. It’s filled with repetition and hardship, but it’s those tough moments that shape me. After every training session, I tell myself, “Today’s effort is for doing even better tomorrow.”

Student: How do you stay unique and maintain your edge in such a competitive environment?

Ledecky: I don’t focus on what others are doing. I concentrate on my own training and growth. My secret is giving my best every single day, not just in the pool but also in my daily life. Little improvements add up over time. True success comes from consistent attention to detail and unwavering effort.

Ledecky: Swimming is a sport of patience and perseverance, especially in long-distance races. Neglecting endurance training will always catch up to you. My advice is: no matter what challenges you face, be patient and never underestimate yourself. The greatest achievements often come from the hardest journeys.

Student: Mr. Scherer, you’ve achieved tremendous success on the international stage. What do you think is the most important factor?

Scherer: The most important factor is passion. If you don’t love swimming, it’s hard to stick with it. Swimming is lonely and tough. You need to find motivation in every training session to drive yourself forward. I’ve had a passion for swimming since I was young, which kept me going even in the toughest moments.

Student: How do you view the importance of mental strength in swimming?

Scherer: Mental strength is crucial, especially when facing strong opponents and pressure. You must learn to stay calm and control your emotions during competitions. Swimming isn’t just a physical contest—it’s also a mental one. Whenever I stand on the starting block, I tell myself, “I can do this. I’m more prepared than anyone.”

Scherer: My advice is to never let pressure overshadow your love for swimming in your training and competitions. Regardless of the outcome, stay passionate and focus on your progress. You’ll often find that success comes when you least expect it.

Student: Miss Coughlin, your career has been incredibly colorful. Could you share some experiences on how to cope with the ups and downs in your career?

Coughlin: A sporting career is always filled with ups and downs. You’ll face injuries, setbacks, and even self-doubt, but these moments teach you how to adjust your mindset and stay focused. Most importantly, keep your love for swimming alive and never let any difficulties shake your determination to move forward. Every failure and low point only strengthens my resolve to pursue excellence.

Student: How did you stay motivated throughout your long competitive career?

Coughlin: I’ve always believed that swimming is a sport where you can constantly challenge yourself. Every time I jump into the pool, I feel excited because I know I have the chance to surpass yesterday’s version of myself. I also see swimming as a joy, not just a competition. As long as you love the sport, every training session is filled with motivation.

Coughlin: I want to tell all young swimmers that swimming is a conversation with yourself. In the water, it’s just you, your determination, perseverance, and effort. Stay focused, chase your dreams bravely, and one day, you’ll find yourself standing on the highest podium.

Student: Ms. Fraser, you’ve achieved a long and successful career in swimming. How did you maintain your competitive edge for such a long time?

Fraser: The key is to stay passionate and optimistic about the sport. You must learn how to take care of your body and adapt to different physical and mental changes. As an older athlete, I focused even more on recovery, nutrition, and mental training.

Student: How do you view the impact of age in competition?

Fraser: Age is indeed a challenge for athletes, but it’s not an insurmountable obstacle. Through scientific training and proper recovery, I proved that I could still compete on the world stage. The real challenge isn’t age—it’s how to stay passionate and find balance in life.