Girls playing sports is not about winning gold medals. It's about self-esteem, learning to compete and learning how hard you have to work in order to achieve your goals.

We live in a world where sports have the potential to bridge the gap between racism, sexism and discrimination. The 2012 Olympic Games was a great start but hopefully what these games taught us is that if women are given an opportunity on an equal playing field the possibilities for women are endless.

I don't think being an athlete is unfeminine. I think of it as a kind of grace.

I don't have to be enemies with someone to be competitors with them.

Even at 10 or 12, I was a hot, fast little cheerleader.

I learned to listen and listen very well. It helped me athletically and in the classroom as well.

There are many women who came before me who didn't really have the same opportunities that I have had. That's why I always wanted to be a great ambassador - not only today's generation - but for the women who really didn't have a voice, but who paved the way for me.