A: It's hard to choose one. But if I had to it would be my first Olympic Games in Beijing and breaking my New Zealand record in the 200m backstroke heats.
Q: What's the best and worst thing about being an international swimmer?
A: The camaraderie and lifelong friends and the travel you get to do when you compete. The thing I liked the least was being tired all the time and having wet hair all the time.
Q: You've swum against some of the greats. Is there one who stands out as the best you competed against?
A: I always looked up to [American, 12-time Olympic medallist] Natalie Coughlin. She's won many medals and is the most amazingly talented swimmer, but she's humble, lovely and conducts herself really well on the pool deck. I was impressed with her not only as a swimmer but as a person, someone I always looked up to.
Q: Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
A: My supportive family because they were always there through the highs and lows. I've been very lucky to have many people help me through my career.
Q: Slightly digressing, Melissa, cheese or chocolate?
A: I do love both but I would pick cheese because it goes so well with wine.
Q: If you hadn't been a swimmer what sport would you have liked to pursue?
A: When I narrowly missed out on the Olympics in Athens in 2004, I seriously considered switching to rowing. I have had some moments when I've thought 'what if' but definitely no regrets. My grandad Errol Richardson rowed for New Zealand.
Q: Your impressions on the two male superstars of your time, Ian Thorpe and Michael Phelps?
A: I've met them both and they seemed like nice, humble people. They are both down to earth and for such superstars they were in touch with reality.
Q: So no regrets?
A: No, I made sure that I did everything that I wanted to do so when I did retire I could do so without regrets.
Q: What would you like to be doing in 10 years' time?
A: I see myself married with a family, and would love to have a successful career in PR, with happy and healthy family and friends.
