We compete, not so much against an opponent, but against ourselves. The real test is this: Did I make my best effort on every play?

Winners are not those who never fail, but those who never quit

You are all Champions in your own way. That doesn't mean you have to be number 1 or be the best. Just do your best. If you aren't first, then make those people ahead of you break records by pushing them with your personal best. Consider for a moment what we achieve from athletics - the sheer fun of competing - the building of a healthy and alert mind and body - stamina, courage, perseverance, dedication, commitment, selflessness and most importantly, the will to excel.

Sometimes it's to your advantage for people to think you're crazy.

I can get sad, I can get frustrated, I can get scared, but I never get depressed - because there's joy in my life.

You have to dream, you have to have a vision, and you have to set a goal for yourself that might even scare you a little because sometimes that seems far beyond your reach. Then I think you have to develop a kind of resistance to rejection, and to the disappointments that are sure to come your way.