I think what my parents did was perfect. They were strict, concerned about my safety and held me back just a little.

Breaking the world record in '92 was a very special personal moment, but I'd say my favorite moment as a decathlete was winning the Olympic gold medal.

I always know where the scissors are.

I was a good decathlete until I got with a coach that really knew how to train specifically for the event... I'd really describe it as like being a juggler; you have ten balls and you're trying to get them all in the air at the same time.

I call myself a chameleon.

It's important for me to think I'm mixed-race.

It took me time to realize that the men who won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon are just men, just like me.