You have to have already convinced yourself that you are going to win no matter what other influences are.

There are so many people afraid of a task. They get so overwhelmed by the obstacles in front of them that they shy away from reaching beyond a position of safety.

One of my major competitors was Harold Smith. Smith beat me in 1977. I was loafing during that competition.

Stretching was a major part of my preparation.

I never struggled with injury problems because of my preparation - in particular my stretching.

I went to Moorehouse College. There was no track and field there.

Both parents supported my becoming a world class athlete.