Shaving is crucial for a swimmer.

Milliseconds to a swimmer are huge: They’re the difference between gold, silver, and bronze.

It makes you feel super smooth and powerful through the water.

Anastasia Pagonis in the pool, face toward the camera

@anastasia_k_p/ Instagram

It takes away drag.

Not only does [shaving] remove hair, but it removes dead skin.

When you dive into the pool, you feel electric.

Anastasia Pagonis with her hair in a bubble braid, smiling over her shoulder

@anastasia_k_p/ Instagram

I always have cereal.

That’s my thing.

But it makes me feel confident, and that’s what matters."

Anastasia Pagonis with her guide dog, Radar

@anastasia_k_p/ Instagram

I use the OUAI treatment; it’s a mask and it’s really good.

But I go back and forth and bounce around between multiple brands and different treatments."

I’m so excited for the partnership.

I feel like Venus is truly so empowering to women and that’s so important to me.

I’m so excited to feel confident, beautiful, powerful, and to compete like a champ."

I love to have just a little pop on my eyes and lips."

I can dress cute, I can wear makeupand prove people wrong and break down the stereotypes."

Maybe they don’t accept it and maybe they don’t put [what they learn] into action.

I take [it] everywhere."