I ran and ran and ran every day, and I acquired this sense of determination, this sense of spirit that I would never, never give up, no matter what else happened.

I had a series of childhood illnesses... scarlet fever.... pneumonia.... Polio. I walked with braces until I was at least nine years old. My life wasn't like the average person who grew up and decided to enter the world of sports.

I don't know why I run so fast. I just run.

But when you come from a large, wonderful family, there's always a way to achieve your goals.

I thought I'd never get to see that. Florence Griffith Joyner -- every time she ran, I ran.

By the time I was 12 I was challenging every boy in our neighborhood at running, jumping, everything.

Winning is great, sure, but if you are really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose.