When we stage the Olympics it will inspire kids all over the country. A kid in Scotland or Ireland will be encouraged to take up sport.

I am only about winning and getting better.

Being a decathlete is like having ten girlfriends. You have to love them all, and you can't afford losing one.

In my heart of hearts my motivation would always have been to be the best, and I think that athletics is probably what I was built for.

If you don't want to grow old, then slow down the slowing down process.

I'm competitive - that's what defines me - and I love it.

I was in the doldrums for a while after my athletics career ended in 1992. I spent six to eight hours a day training, for 18 years, and it took a long time to get over the regret that I wasn't competing in major championships any more. All I ever wanted to be was the best. But I find new projects and I keep things in perspective.