The Games are just a nice, positive way to build friendships, camaraderie and, of course, self-esteem. Plus, the Games are a great opportunity for people to participate in sports who normally wouldn't.

Well, unless you're Wayne Gretzky or Michael Jordan, you need the full support of your team.

Mom was the one who taught me unconditional love. With Dad, I'd always felt there was something to live up to - expectations. But in the last year, we had a wonderful relationship.

I am a firm believer that you don't achieve greatness on your own. There is always someone there to lend a hand

Fear is a part of everything you do ... You have to take great risks to get big rewards.

There's a better way to speak out against President Putin and call out his bigotry for exactly what it is: speaking up for equal rights and educating people around the world about the persistence of homophobia. Rather than boycott, I, along with several amazing organizations including Athlete Ally and All Out, plan to use the Sochi Games as a teachable moment for the world.

People who were close to me - family and friends - they knew about my sexuality.