Team USA’s Second Press Conference, Includes Ryan Lochte, Missy Franklin

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LONDON, England, July 26. COMMENTS from United States swimmers Missy Franklin, Natalie Coughlin, Ryan Lochte and Rebecca Soni, and coaches Gregg Troy and Teri McKeever at a media conference at the Main Press Centre on Thursday.

Missy FRANKLIN (USA)

On her energy level and conserving that energy:
“It's defintely hard. This week has been so exciting, going to France for the first time, coming to the Olympics for the first time. When we arrived to pick up our uniforms, I was literally bouncing off the walls.”

“I know I have lot of energy but I know when I have to conserve it till, which is just before I race.”

On the shooting last week in Denver, Colorado – near where Franklin grew up – at a screening of the new Batman movie:
“Even though it was 3am I called my mum. She was still up. It was so senseless. I'm hoping to give a lot of fun here to make up for the tough summer Colorado's just had.”

On who she turns to for feedback and advice:
“I've reached out to everyone. Teri's (coach McKEEVER, USA) done a great job of getting the veterans and rookies together. I felt so prepared. It makes me so much more comfortable while I'm here.”

On not having taken up Michael PHELPS' (USA) offer to contact him for any advice she might need:
“Michael's the best. Honestly, I've gotten so much help from the women's team. I know one of the things I definitely want to talk to him about (later) is college.”

Natalie COUGHLIN (USA)

On the possibility that she will compete at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games:
“I think a lot of people assumed that I was done and I never said that. The hardest part of being an athlete is the day-to-day training and I enjoy that, so I might as well keep doing it.”

On who she would like to meet at London 2012:
“Usain BOLT (JAM). I saw him walk into the cafeteria and everyone started cheering. I thought it was Prince William or something. He walked in with an entourage.”

On the hype surrounding her teammates PHELPS and LOCHTE, who compete in the 400m individual medley on 28 July:
“I think we're all excited about the race. But we're looking forward to seeing the rest of the team over the next week. It'll be an awesome race. We know there's lots of energy behind the race and it'll give us momentum going into the next eight days.”

Ryan LOCHTE (USA)

On his prospects of beating PHELPS in the 400m individual medley:
“Michael is just one person. There are other swimmers from around the world that I need to worry about. If Michael's right there, then he's right there but I can't rely on Michael being there.”

On his friendship with PHELPS:
“I'm friends with everyone. I don't have any enemies. Me and him, we've created a great rivalry but also a great friendship after the race. I hope it continues that way.”

On how he deals with distractions outside the pool while preparing to compete:
“Years and years of doing this sport, I know you need to conserve your energy. At the same time, I want to have fun. That's what life is about, that's what swimming is about. I've been pretty good at balancing those things.”

On differences between Beijing 2008 and London 2012 and his rivalry with PHELPS:
“There's really no difference. I go into each swim meet as a normal swim meet, it just has a different name. It's like when I was 11, shooting hoops before I go to swim. It's the same at this meet. Back home, people are talking about me and Michael and it's just talk. But I guess we'll see what happens in a couple of days.”

On PHELPS' separation from the team (PHELPS held a separate media conference with coach Bob BOWMAN (USA)):
“I guess when he's with us, he's just normal. He's just one of us. We don't see him as any different. He does get more exposure. After what he did in 2004 and 2008 he'd better.

On other competitors in the 400m individual medley:
“One of the biggest ones is Laszlo (CESH, HUN)). He's been there since 2004. He's definitely a great competitor. Everyone we'll get in the final, we've been swimming against them for years. It's definitely going to be an exciting race for everyone.”

On the 200m freestyle:
“That's one of the deepest fields for the guys' team. It's definitely going to be a close race. I think it's going to be one second separating one to eight.”

Rebecca SONI (USA)

On difference between Beijing 2008 and London 2012:
“It's a little bit of a different experience. I know more of what to expect. Last time I was starry eyed.”

“I know there's the pressure of being a defending champion but I'm not focusing on that. It's like what Ryan (LOCHTE) said, it's just one more swim meet, like any other.”

On PHELPS and LOCHTE competing in the 400m individual medley:
“It'll get the meet kicked off to a great note. It does make it really exciting to know it's a big event and the world will be tuning in. I'm glad I've got the night off and can watch it in the stands.”

Gregg TROY (USA) — coach

On the men's 4x100m freestyle relay and whether PHELPS could be included even though he did not swim the 100m freestyle at the US Olympic trials:
“We've had the opportunity to see these guys train. We're trying to take all the factors together. We'll put up the four fastest guys. Who that is depends on the next couple of days.”

Teri McKEEVER — coach

On who she would like to meet at London 2012:
“Roger FEDERER (SUI). Just because he's nice looking and my mum would get up at 3 o'clock to watch him.”

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