Edwin Moses

Stretching was a major part of my preparation.

The joint lubrication was not what it was when I was competing, and I decided that not having arthritis or rheumatism for the rest of my life was a lot more important to me than returning to the track.

In particular, I studied German and Russian biomechanics.

I wanted to go to medical school. But, I never got a college scholarship.

My father was also a principal of a school and mother was a curriculum advisor. Both were educators.

I didn't get an athletics scholarship at a major school.

I was always a mean and lean athlete - not tall - not large.

Concentration is why some athletes are better than others. You develop that concentration in training and concentrate in a meet.

I always got my work done before playing.

Both parents supported my becoming a world class athlete.

I went to Moorehouse College. There was no track and field there.

I used biomechanics to save time when I was competing.

My father was an all-American football player.

I never struggled with injury problems because of my preparation - in particular my stretching.

My concentration level blocks out everything. Concentration is why some athletes are better than others. You develop that concentration in training and concentrate in a meet.

One of my major competitors was Harold Smith. Smith beat me in 1977. I was loafing during that competition.

I always had to keep improving my skills in order to remain competitive and keep winning.

Lots of people let it go by and never accomplish what they want. I just wanted to see what I could do.

I overcame size with mechanics.

In digital world, sport provides opportunity to bring people together.

I was always more of an academic than a jock.