Jackie Joyner-Kersee

“You have to be willing to work harder than everyone else to be the best.”

“If I stop to kick every barking dog I am not going to get where I'm going.”

“I believe in the impossible because no one else does.”

“Girls playing sports is not about winning gold medals. It's about self-esteem, learning to compete, and learning how hard you have to work in order to achieve your goals.”

“For me, the joy of athletics has never been in winning, but in the doing.”

“My thoughts before a big race are usually pretty simple. I tell myself: Get out of the blocks, run your race, stay relaxed.”

“When I was younger, I was always being told I was too fat, I was too slow, I was not going to make it.”

“The person who is waiting for something to turn up might start with their shirt sleeves.”

“Never give up on your dream... because you never know what the Lord can bless you with.”

“The medals don't mean anything and the glory doesn't last. It's all about your happiness.”

“The glory of sport comes from dedication, determination and desire. Winning is a bonus.”

“I don't think you're ever there. You never arrive, but if you do, you might as well quit.”

“Age is no barrier. It's a limitation you put on your mind.”

“It is better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret.”