What it takes to become a champ, by Stephanie Rice

Melbourne, Mar 15 (ANI): Swimming sensation Stephanie Rice, who won millions of hearts with her success at last year's Beijing Olympics, has now given an insight into what it takes to become a champion.

Clocking more than 10km a day in the pool, Rice starts and finishes her day smelling of chlorine.

Her pool sessions, each morning and evening, are fast becoming legendary within the swimming community.

"I've been told her sessions have to be seen to be believed," the Daily Telegraph quoted swimming Australia chief executive Kevin Neil, as saying.

Rice's schedule is relentless. Her days are punctuated by yoga and pilates classes, physiotherapy and massage, meetings with her management, sponsorship appearances, interviews and autographs.

Rice said: "It's a busy day and busy workload. I remember when I was at school ... I don't even know how I got through."

"I would love to study and I would love to have a job, but I also really want to swim well and that's my No.1 goal. I love swimming and I love everything about it," she added. (ANI)