An athlete and actor are really two different temperaments, night and day. As an athlete you really keep things out and as an actor you really bring things in.

People have always thought of me as being something, but I'm just a human being like everyone else.

There is no correlation between a childhood success and a professional athlete.

My thoughts before a big race are usually pretty simple. I tell myself: Get out of the blocks, run your race, stay relaxed. If you run your race, you'll win... channel your energy. Focus.

To this day, most people think of me as the fastest human. They don't really think me as a long jumper, although that's the event I had more success in.

Any press is good press. So keep on ragging me.

By carrying the torch, you will be bridging cultural and social barriers, and all the boundaries that separate nation from nation.