Mary Lou Retton

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

If I had a bad performance in a particular leotard, I threw it in the trash.

As a kid, I was a pretty good little sprinter.

Companies that support sports developmental programs in our communities should also be applauded.

That's because the International Olympic Committee has a policy of never replacing medals.

I usually don't mind giving autographs, but when hundreds of folks with paper and pen start coming at you, it's time to seek shelter.

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

Children possess a remarkable amount of passion. They throw themselves completely, heart and soul, into everything.

You give up your childhood. You miss proms and games and high-school events, and people say it's awful... I say it was a good trade. You miss something but I think I gained more than I lost.

A trophy carries dust. Memories last forever.

Be cocky. Walk into the Georgia Dome like you own it.

Getting to know athletes from all over the planet is a big part of the Olympic experience.

Former Olympians also get paid to make appearances. Many of them won their medals in an era when Olympic success didn't go hand-in-hand with financial success.

Pay-per-view would deprive many kids of the delight of seeing the Olympics.

Heat is required to forge anything. Every great accomplishment is the story of a flaming heart.

I love her attitude, but as much as I'd like to bring my medals to a speech or appearance, I never do.

It's going to be really weird when I'm 80 years old, in a walker, and people are still calling me America's sweetheart. We need a new one.

Each of us has a fire in our hearts for something. It's our goal in life to find it and keep it.

In the dressing room, I always put on my right shoe first. Same thing for my right wristband.

In L.A., we had a game room with a new sensation called Pac-Man.

For six years, I kept my five Olympic medals wrapped in a plastic bread bag beneath my bed.

Many athletes competing in Atlanta wouldn't be here if it weren't for corporate support.

Many medal winners dream of competing in a sport other than the one they're famous for.

Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive good things and good people will be drawn to you.

Fragile egos are put on the line every day.

As simple as it sounds, we all must try to be the best person we can: by making the best choices, by making the most of the talents we've been given.

The endorsement game has been very good to me.

Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive, good things and good people will be drawn to you.