单项选择题

A little over a year ago I began training to swim the English Channel this October. I would be 60 years old then. My friend thought I had lost my mind; my wife, though not fearing for my sanity (神志清晰), was somewhat apprehensive (担心的). The question I was asked over and over was this: Why
When a student reporter at Indiana recently asked me this question, I said, "First, let me ask you a question. What are your plans for this summer" He replied that he was going to work in a supermarket. I didn’t have to say more; he understood my point.
A challenge (挑战) and adventures are welcome whether you are at the age of 20 or 60.
But why did I decide to swim the Channel at 60
The Channel has always been the real challenge to swimmers; a test of ability, endurance (耐力), luck and even bravery. It is this challenge that attracts about i50 swimmers a year who are willing to spend time, effort and money to try it.
One fact that increases my interest is that, if I succeed, I will be the oldest person ever to swim the Channel.
I don’t think I’m a superman (超人). I do think I have at least three things going for me: First, I am training hard. Second, I am a very goal-oriented (有目标的) person for whom this swim has long been a goal. Third, I have a feeling I will be psychologically (心理上) ready. Most likely, the author of this passage decided to swim the Channel because he ______.