I was so intent as a young lawyer on beating the men at their own game that I didn't take any real maternity leave with my three younger children. It is only looking back that I realise I wasn't beating the system but reinforcing it.

I think, when I was a young lawyer starting out, I was so determined to prove that I was as good as the men and that I could be given the same opportunities as the men, and it wouldn't make any difference at all that I was a woman. But actually, looking back on it now, I did do things that I wouldn't recommend to other women at all.

I'm an incurable optimist, and I'm a great believer in never looking back. Life is too short, and new challenges are exciting.

I'm not a great one for looking back.

It's sad to know I'm done. But looking back, I've got a lot of great memories.

Looking back, I'm so proud to have gone to five Olympics - I believe only three other Americans have achieved that.