I don't consciously try to be a role model, so I don't know if I am or not. That's for other people to decide.

You learn as much from those who have failed as from those who have succeeded.

The only one who can beat me is me.

As strong as my legs are, it is my mind that has made me a champion.

when you come from a large, wonderful family, there's always a way to achieve your goals.

I thought I'd never get to see that. Florence Griffith Joyner every time she ran, I ran.

I don't know why I run so fast. I just run.

I'm in my prime. There's no goal too far, no mountain too high.

By the time I was 12 I was challenging every boy in our neighborhood at running, jumping, everything.

Sometimes it takes years to really grasp what has happened to your life.

The feeling of accomplishment welled up inside of me, three Olympic gold medals. I knew that was something nobody could ever take away from me, ever.

My mother taught me very early to believe I could achieve any accomplishment I wanted to. The first was to walk without braces.

I believe in me more than anything in this world.

I tell them that the most important aspect is to be yourself and have confidence in yourself.

I loved the feeling of freedom in running, the fresh air, the feeling that the only person I'm competing with is me.

The potential for greatness lives within us all.

I knew that whatever I set my mind to do. I could do.

The triumph can't be had without the struggle.

Believe me, the reward is not so great without the struggle.