As a young athlete, it was first about having fun; then it was about winning.

Take pride in exactly what it is you do and remember it's okay to fail as long as you don't give up.

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

I got interested in decathlon because a coach that I had was a big fan of Bruce Jenner, and he just saw the ability in me - but when it came down to it, I knew my best chance at a college scholarship would be in track and field.

As a young athlete, it was first about having fun; then it was about winning.

You have to be able to be a good loser. You have to be okay knowing you're going to fail every day in something without getting mad and upset.

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.