Listen Live
Majic 102.3/92.7 Featured Video
CLOSE

NEW YORK (AP) — Natalie Coughlin has been in the pool as long as she can remember, building the muscles and learning the discipline that would lead her to 12 Olympic medals.

The 29-year-old says she feels more aware of her appearance than when she started competitive swimming (OK, she was 5 years old), but has learned that cameras go with the territory.

“I don’t wear makeup when I compete,” she says. “You’ll just finish the final of a race and you’re on TV 2 minutes later without makeup on and red in the face. It’s an unusual situation, but it forces me to focus on skin and well-groomed brows. … I’m not the type to stare in the mirror all day but I want to look as good as I can.”

Many of the same things that help in her training also help her beauty routine.

“Eating well and taking care of your body is the No. 1 most important thing for good hair, good skin and good nails,” she says. “Your nutritional needs show up on your hair, skin and nails.”

Read more at Black America Web.