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

I didn't get an athletics scholarship at a major school.

Lots of people let it go by and never accomplish what they want. I just wanted to see what I could do.

I was always more of an academic than a jock.

I don't really see the hurdles. I sense them like a memory.

My father was also a principal of a school and mother was a curriculum advisor. Both were educators.

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