For athletes, the Olympics are the ultimate test of their worth.

Companies that support sports developmental programs in our communities should also be applauded.

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.

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 a kid, I was a pretty good little sprinter.

Even though it may seem counterintuitive, a comfort zone is a dangerous place to be.

Having a home away from the media glare is important to world-class athletes.