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

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.

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.

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.

The triumph can't be had without the struggle.

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

No matter what great things you accomplish, somebody helps you.

When the sun is shining I can do anything; no mountain is too high, no trouble too difficult to overcome.

My doctor told me I would never walk again. My mother told me I would. I believed my mother.

'I can't' are two words that have never been in my vocabulary. I believe in me more than anything in this world.

In order for me to achieve... I had to regard myself greater than what I was. In other words I had to fake it until I make it.

Any man can do what he has to do. But doing it like you love it? That is what takes it to a whole different level. A champion does it like he loves it, even when he doesn't.

I'm scared every time I go into the ring, but it's how you handle it. What you have to do is plant your feet, bite down on your mouthpiece and say, 'Let's go.'