First and foremost, my involvement within the Olympic pursuit and Games were obviously surrounded by only putting the absolute best nutrients into my body. Apolo Ohno
For most of the track world, the Olympic year is such a huge year, and it's a big year for us marathoners too. Ryan Hall
For six years, I kept my five Olympic medals wrapped in a plastic bread bag beneath my bed. Mary Lou Retton
For too long the world has failed to recognise that the Olympic Games and the Olympic Movement are about fine athletics and fine art. Avery Brundage
Former Olympians also get paid to make appearances. Many of them won their medals in an era when Olympic success didn't go hand-in-hand with financial success. Mary Lou Retton
Getting to know athletes from all over the planet is a big part of the Olympic experience. Mary Lou Retton
Getting to the Olympics was, has always been, my swimming dream since I was 8 or 9 years old. You know, right after I started swimming it was, 'I want to make an Olympic team. That's where I want to be.' Eric Shanteau
Growing up I definitely looked up to Dominique Moceanu. She was my favorite gymnast and she was on that '96 Olympic team. She was always so fun to watch. I kind of wanted to model my career after hers. Alicia Sacramone
I always look back to my first Olympic medal in 2004 in Athens. I was very new to the sport, and it was my first big win at the Olympics.Allyson Felix
I am very proud of my mom and consider her the most courageous woman I know. With perseverance, sacrifice and hard work, she raised a family of Olympic athletes and gave us the tools and the spirit to succeed. That is something that my brothers and I will always be thankful for. Diana Lopez
I can't even imagine what it's like and right now I'm like in shock, I can't believe that I'm Olympic Champion. Tara Lipinski
I didn't train to make the Olympic team until 1968. I simply trained for the moment. I never even imagined I would be an Olympic athlete. It always seemed to evolve. Dick Fosbury
I got beat real hard and heavy in the Olympic Games in 1968 by a guy who swam an incredible race one time in his whole life, but he did it right at the right time. I'd like to be that guy now. Maybe that's what I'm going to have to pull out of my hat to make the Olympic team. Mark Spitz
I had my Olympic gold medal cut up into eleven pieces. Gave all eleven of my kids a piece. It'll come together again when they put me down. Joe Frazier
I have a lot of expectations and a lot of goals I want to fulfill, but the biggest dream is still to make the Olympic team for London. Shawn Johnson
I know that BMW is now a sponsor of the USOC - of the United States Olympic Committee - so they offer the use of their aerodynamic speed-tunnel for testing and such for the athletes, which is a great advantage. But to be honest with you, I'd rather have a free car! Apolo Ohno