I tell them that the most important aspect is to be yourself and have confidence in yourself.

I loved the feeling of freedom in running, the fresh air, the feeling that the only person I'm competing with is me.

The feeling of accomplishment welled up inside of me, three Olympic gold medals. I knew that was something nobody could ever take away from me, ever.

The triumph can't be had without the struggle.

I would be disappointed if I were remembered as a runner because I feelthat my contribution to the youth of America has far exceeded the woman who was the Olympic champion.

When I was going through my transition of being famous, I tried to ask God, why was I here? What was my purpose? Surely, it wasn't just to win three gold medals. There has to be more to this life than that.

My mother taught me very early to believe I could achieve any accomplishment I wanted to. The first was to walk without braces.