I went to Moorehouse College. There was no track and field there. Votes: 16
One of my major competitors was Harold Smith. Smith beat me in 1977. I was loafing during that competition. Votes: 16
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. Votes: 13
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. Votes: 12
Both parents supported my becoming a world class athlete. Votes: 11
Stretching was a major part of my preparation. Votes: 9
My father was also a principal of a school and mother was a curriculum advisor. Both were educators. Votes: 8
Concentration is why some athletes are better than others. You develop that concentration in training and concentrate in a meet. Votes: 8
In particular, I studied German and Russian biomechanics. Votes: 7
I never struggled with injury problems because of my preparation - in particular my stretching. Votes: 6
I wanted to go to medical school. But, I never got a college scholarship. Votes: 5
Social ills: teenage pregnancy, gangs, children with behavioral problems. All these things can be alleviated if kids got more physical activity for starters. Votes: 4
My father was an all-American football player. Votes: 4
Lots of people let it go by and never accomplish what they want. I just wanted to see what I could do. Votes: 4
I ran my first race the end of March, 1976. And less than four months later I was Olympic champion. But I had the background. It's not like I just ran one day and all of a sudden became a champion. It was a lot of work. Votes: 4
I used biomechanics to save time when I was competing. Votes: 3
I was always more of an academic than a jock. Votes: 3
I didn't get an athletics scholarship at a major school. Votes: 3
There are so many people afraid of a task. They get so overwhelmed by the obstacles in front of them that they shy away from reaching beyond a position of safety. Votes: 3
I was always a mean and lean athlete - not tall - not large. Votes: 3
I always got my work done before playing. Votes: 2
I overcame size with mechanics. Votes: 1
I always had to keep improving my skills in order to remain competitive and keep winning. Votes: 0
You have to have already convinced yourself that you are going to win no matter what other influences are. Votes: 0
No one runs fast without an extreme amount of training. Like today, you see kids walking around dribbling a basketball. I had a bag with track shoes in it, and I used to go to the track every day. Votes: 0
In digital world, sport provides opportunity to bring people together. Votes: 0
I don't really see the hurdles. I sense them like a memory. Votes: 0