I haven't seen too many American distance men on the international scene willing to take risks. I saw some U.S. women in Barcelona willing to risk, more than men. The Kenyans risk. Steve Prefontaine risked. I risked - I went through the first half of the Tokyo race just a second off my best 5000 time.

You can get defeated, just as long as you don't fail.

I was constantly told and challenged to live my life as a warrior. As a warrior, you assume responsibility for yourself. The warrior humbles himself. And the warrior learns the power of giving.

God has given me the ability. The rest is up to me. Believe. Believe. Believe.

The ultimate is not to win, but to reach within the depths of your capabilities and to compete against yourself.

Your life is a gift from the Creator. Your gift back to the Creator is what you do with your life.

People make a big mistake when they say, 'I need to be motivated.' You motivate yourself. I might inspire somebody, but that person has to be motivated within themselves first. Look inside yourself, believe in yourself, put in the hard work, and your dreams will unfold.