If you could have the arms of Hercules, legs as swift as the wind. If you could leap shoulder high above the rim, have the kick of a dolphin, the reflexes of a cat. If you could have all these, you would have the body, you would have the tools. But you would not have greatness until you understand that the strongest muscle is the heart. To me, that's the soul of the Olympic Games.

Faith has a role to play in life. It is not related to success. It is the other way round. Success is related to faith. Faith comes first.

The activity of a singer that sings opera is similar to that of an athlete.

It's important for me who is at the table with me; the moment when everyone speaks to each other and everyone listens. If there's good food, it's much better.

When the mood takes me, I like to be a man of action. I like to windsurf and ski, and most of all I love to ride horses. The wilder and faster the better!

I also always carry my flute. It's very important for me to try to relax when I'm travelling, and playing my flute helps me to unwind.

You can be great only if it is your destiny.