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.
I knew that whatever I set my mind to do. I could do.
No matter what accomplishments you make,somebody helps you.
Never Underestimate the Power of Dreams and the Influence of the Human Spirit.
When the sun is shining I can do anything; no mountain is too high, no trouble too difficult to overcome.
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.
I tell them that the most important aspect is to be yourself and have confidence in yourself.
I'm in my prime. There's no goal too far, no mountain too high.
The triumph can't be had without the struggle.
The triumph cant be had without the struggle
Winning is great, sure, but if you are really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose. Nobody goes undefeated all the time. If you can pick up after a crushing defeat, and go on to win again, you are going to be a champion someday.
But when you come from a large, wonderful family, there's always a way to achieve your goals.
My doctor told me I would never walk again. My mother told me I would. I believed my mother.
Believe me, the reward is not so great without the struggle.
I loved the feeling of freedom in running, the fresh air, the feeling that the only person I'm competing with is me.
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 don't consciously try to be a role model, so I don't know if I am or not. That's for other people to decide.
'I can't' are two words that have never been in my vocabulary. I believe in me more than anything in this world.
It doesn't matter what you're trying to accomplish. It's all a matter of discipline. I was determined to discover what life held for me beyond the inner-city streets.
My mother taught me very early to believe I could achieve any accomplishment I wanted to. The first was to walk without braces.
The potential for greatness lives within each of us.
No matter what great things you accomplish, somebody helps you.
Winning is great but if you are really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose.
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.
Sometimes it takes years to really grasp what has happened to your life.
I believe in me more than anything in this world.
My doctors told me I would never walk again. My mother told me I would. I believed my mother.
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.
I don't know why I run so fast. I just run.
