Jessica Hardy is no stranger to winning world competitions, and the 2012 London games proved to be no exception. Competing in her first-ever Olympics (she qualified in 2008 but tested positive for a banned substance and was not allowed to compete), Hardy nabbed a gold medal in the 4x100m medley relays and bronze in the 4x100m freestyle, far surpassing the goals she posed to Uinterview before the Games.

“I think for me, the biggest goal I have is to just make it,” Hardy told Uinterivew exclusively. “Since I was a five-year-old kid watching the Olympics on TV that’s what I dreamt to do—to just make it. And to hopefully have the chance to qualify in as many events as I did in 2008. And to do as best as possible, the best that I can, I’ll be happy.

Outside of the water, the Olympic medalist Hardy, a California native, seems to embody the laid-back Californian persona. Before competitions, Hardy likes to take it easy. “I definitely like to chat with my friends to stay relaxed and listen to music. Just have fun and enjoy the moment before I swim,” observes Hardy.

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Q: What's your workout regimen in preparation for the Olympics? - Uinterview User

I swim every morning for two and a half hours, and I do a ton of dry land [training] from running, cycling, yoga, Pilates, and weight lifting, just a combination of all that. I do that every day of the week.

User Uinterview User
Q: How do you prepare yourself mentally for competition? - Uinterview User

Every morning before I compete on a competition day, I like to have a small breakfast and a cup of coffee. I do the same stretching routine. And I definitely like to chat with my friends to stay relaxed, and listen to music. Just have fun and enjoy the moment before I swim.

User Uinterview User
Q: What is your biggest goal in this year's Olympics? - Uinterview User

That's a good question. I think for me, the biggest goal I have is to just make it. Since I was a five-year-old kid watching the Olympics on TV that's what I dreamt to do - to just make it. And to hopefully have the chance to qualify in as many events as I did in 2008. And to do as best as possible, the best that I can, I'll be happy.