How does the first quote describe overcoming poor conditions?

The speaker admits the pool itself is terrible, yet still credits record-setting swims almost entirely to mental attitude rather than the facility.

What general claim does the second quote make about sport?

It states plainly that so much of sport comes down to mental attitude, suggesting mindset often outweighs physical conditions.

They don't dismiss facilities entirely, but both emphasize that mental attitude can outweigh imperfect surroundings when performing at a high level.

Athletes and competitors facing less-than-ideal training conditions who want a reminder that mindset can still carry them through.

Both quotes reinforce that mental attitude, more than physical setting, often determines real athletic performance.

These quotes come from athletes crediting mental attitude over external conditions, even when the surroundings themselves are far from ideal.

So much of sport is that mental attitude.

The pool is terrible, but that doesn't have much to do with my record swims. That's all mental attitude.