I didn't only have a perceptual problem, I was also so nervous and so upset. The process just didn't work. I lost enthusiasm for school and I flunked second grade. The teachers said I was lazy.

I was scared to death, but I made fear score points for me. Fear is right behind me, fear is six inches off my back, that's where fear is. I can feel its presence. But it's not going to catch me... I'm going to take fear and use it to my advantage.

First of all, I try to be a positive role model.

Waving the flag at the 1976 Olympics wasn't my idea. It was too much apple pie and ice cream. Not that I don't love my country, but I felt it was my victory up there, I put all the time into it.

I'm so happy after such a long struggle to be living my true self.

I'm saying goodbye to people's perception of me and who I am, I'm not saying goodbye to me, because this has always been me.

If I die... I'd be so mad at myself that I didn't explore that side of me.