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.

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.

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.

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

Athletes as role models and heroes is a hoax, a sick hoax. The men and women who are fighting in Iraq, they are the true heroes.

No one will burn out doing aerobic running. It is too much anaerobic running, which the American scholastic athletic system tends to put young athletes through, that burns them out.

The bottom line is that these athletes tend to be safer investments because they really value their marketing opportunities. They don't make as much money as during their active careers.

For athletes, the Olympics are the ultimate test of their worth.

I always liked serve-and-volley players and big athletes.

Several professional athletes have wrongly taught many young Americans by example that the only way to succeed in sports is to take steroids.

There's that initial reticence for some athletes to take you seriously.

It strikes me that these days, clubs don't even want players who can truly play any more; they just want athletes, quick guys who don't have a football brain, can just run and run; some of them, Jesus. I can never imagine acting like that.

One of the perks of being an actor is to get to meet athletes that you respect. Especially who played before my time. Brooks Robinson is one of those athletes; they just don't make them any nicer.

The contracts are structured different than athletes in America, but for me, it was good to move on and go back to playing in the premiere league, which is the best league. It was disappointing, as far as the team goes, but for me, there wasn't much I could do.

I've witnessed thousands of superior athletes try to becomes hitters and fail at it.

The only reason we make good role models is because you guys look up to athletes and we can influence you in positive ways. But the real role models should be your parents and teachers!

We typically don't choose our athletes until about a month prior to the Games because anything can happen.

The night before I compete, I like to have steak. Meat is especially important for female athletes because it provides them with the nutrients they need to perform at their best.

Sports is a metaphor for overcoming obstacles and achieving against great odds. Athletes, in times of difficulty, can be important role models.

Too many athletes do not admit their weaknesses.

I was so afraid that the athletes wouldn't talk to me because I'm a woman.

When we reach the point where the women athletes are getting their pick of dates just as easily as the men athletes, then we've really and truly arrived. Parity at last!

American professional athletes are bilingual; they speak English and profanity.

I think the athletes respond well to me because I have been successful.

In this culture, where entertainers and athletes wield such power, it seems only right to me that they try to make their influence a good one.

Food fighters in Japan think of themselves as athletes. They have a higher recognition of the game and are constantly thinking about records. I probably won't continue for long because it puts pressure on the body. But I am at the age where I can perform my best.

I want to be like the athletes who seem stuck in time. When you see them at 50, you say they probably can still run like a champ.

Without a doubt, professional boxers are the most exploited athletes in our Nation.

Having a home away from the media glare is important to world-class athletes.

Cameron was able to get an inside look at professional football from the standpoint of athletes and agents and general managers that few people have ever seen.

My guess is many top athletes, distance runners included, use performance-enhancing drugs, enough so that the problem must be tackled.