Difficult as it was to hear, slavery has benefited descendants like me - I believe there is a superior athletic gene in us.

It is important that you strive for humility, but not humiliation, for a cool, level-headed confidence, not a stiff, delusional arrogance.

Rivalries don't necessarily mean races being close at major championships. I had a rivalry with Butch Reynolds for many years. I won all the races, but Butch was the world record holder before I came into the sport, he was extremely talented and he was the only other man running 43 seconds.

On the £20,000 Mercedes prizes for each winner at the World Athletics Championships in Stuttgart- Anyone good enough to win already has one.

Along with trustworthiness, consistency is the thing to look for when you surround yourself with people who can help you on your quest.

All my life I believed I became an athlete through my own determination, but it's impossible to think that being descended from slaves hasn't left an imprint through the generations.

A good mentor offers directions and driving tips from the back seat. You still have to drive the car.