I ran and ran and ran every day, and I acquired this sense of determination, this sense of spirit that I would never, never give up, no matter what else happened.

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I tell them that the most important aspect is to be yourself and have confidence in yourself.

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I'm in my prime. There's no goal too far, no mountain too high.

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The triumph can't be had without the struggle. And I know what struggle is. I have spent a lifetime trying to share what it has meant to be a woman first in the world of sports so that other young women have a chance to reach their dreams.

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I would be disappointed if I were remembered as a runner because I feelthat my contribution to the youth of America has far exceeded the woman who was the Olympic champion

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i had a series of childhood illnesses... scarlet fever.... pneumonia.... Polio. I walked with braces until I was at least nine years old. My life wasn't like the average person who grew up and decided to enter the world of sports.

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Believe me, the reward is not so great without the struggle.

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By the time I was 12 I was challenging every boy in our neighborhood at running, jumping, everything.

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When the sun is shining I can do anything; no mountain is too high, no trouble too difficult to overcome.

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I loved the feeling of freedom in running, the fresh air, the feeling that the only person I'm competing with is me.

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