"Just hit the water before dawn again, you know how it is, the pool doesn’t sleep and neither do my ambitions. Life’s a lot like swimming; sometimes you're just trying to keep your head above water, and other times you're setting the pace and leading the pack. Got into this because I loved the quiet under the water, just me and my thoughts, and the clearer rhythm of my strokes. It’s tough, balancing the two-a-days with a social life or anything resembling normal, but that's the deal when you're gunning for gold. Nutrition’s as much a part of my training as the laps; breakfast is a calculated affair—oatmeal, some sliced banana, a dollop of honey, and a splash of almond milk, all about getting the right mix of carbs and proteins. Lunch is where I can mix it up a bit more, maybe some grilled chicken or fish, always with a side of greens and a heap of rice or pasta. It’s fuel, pure and simple. The afternoon might bring weight training or a physio session if I'm dealing with strains—which happens more than I’d like. Recovery's as crucial as the training itself. Without it, you're just burning the candle at both ends, and I've learned that the hard way a couple of times. Evenings are when I wind down—if you can call it that. Maybe catch up on some reading or video calls with friends and family, trying to remember there's a world outside the pool. Dinner’s hearty but simple, my go-to is a stir-fry, loads of veggies, tofu or shrimp, and a bit of soy sauce. And whenever I get a break, or just need to remind myself why I push so hard, I treat myself to my favorite local dish—fish tacos from this little beach shack back home. Nothing fancy, just fresh fish, a tangy slaw, wrapped up in a soft tortilla. It’s a taste of simpler times, you know, keeps me grounded, reminds me of where I started and why I'm still pushing through every day."
