I usually don't mind giving autographs, but when hundreds of folks with paper and pen start coming at you, it's time to seek shelter.

Working hard becomes a habit, a serious kind of fun. You get self-satisfaction from pushing your self to the limit, knowing that all the effort is going to pay off.

Training for the Olympics was much easier than balancing my life now! When practice was over, there was time for me. But with four kids and a career, I have no downtime. When I'm not on the road, I finish my workday at 2:30 p.m. Then I pick the kids up from school and they get 100 percent Mommy, not part Mommy and part Mary Lou Retton.

Be cocky. Walk into the Georgia Dome like you own it.

Rather then focusing on the obstacle in your path, focus on the bridge over the obstacle.

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

Each of us has a fire in our hearts for something. It's our goal in life to find it and keep it.