You've got to believe in yourself first. Take risks and don't be afraid to fall.

More than 10,000 athletes came to Atlanta seeking Olympic medals. Only a few of them will be lucky and skilled enough to claim one.

There can be distractions, but if you're isolated from the heart of the Games, the Olympics become just another competition.

Former Olympians also get paid to make appearances. Many of them won their medals in an era when Olympic success didn't go hand-in-hand with financial success.

Fragile egos are put on the line every day.

I cant justify taking money away from hungry kids and needy schools to pay for the Games when corporations are willing to write the checks.

Many medal winners dream of competing in a sport other than the one they're famous for.