As you grow older and young people come up to you with their history books, you realize that some of the things I have been able to do have been impactful. But for me, I try to keep everything in perspective and stay humble.

The rewards are going to come, but my happiness is just loving the sport and having fun performing.

There is something about seeing myself improve that motivates and excites me.

I was diagnosed with asthma when I was 18 during my freshman year at UCLA. I refused to accept it - and I hid it from my coaches and teammates. But ignoring my problem didn't make it go away.

I'm a realist and I always have been.

It wasn't until I was 14 and watched the 1976 Olympic games on television that I really started to dream about the big time. I remember seeing Evelyn Ashford in the 100 meters, and she was going to UCLA.

The 2012 London Olympic Games fostered a generation of hope. I witnessed women participating for the very first time, representing every nation.