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.

As simple as it sounds, we all must try to be the best person we can: by making the best choices, by making the most of the talents we've been given.

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.

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

If I had a bad performance in a particular leotard, I threw it in the trash.

I'm very determined and stubborn. There's a desire in me that makes me want to do more and more, and to do it right. Each one of us has a fire in our heart for something. It's our goal in life to find it and to keep it lit.

As much time as you put into it, that's what your achievements are going to be when you come out of it.