When I started competing, you had to have your coach there. Now you can be coached from a home office via Skype or video. That's not the same as having them on the field with you. Jackie Joyner Kersee
My denial and irresponsible attitude about asthma put me at great risk and caused me so much needless suffering. My hope is that the kids I talk to learn to open up about their asthma, become educated about their condition, and seek help. Jackie Joyner Kersee
I don't think there is a perfect athlete. But if I had to come close to picking someone who demonstrates all the traits that I feel an athlete should have, I would say the perfect athlete would be Tiger Woods. He has the ability, he's humble and he's very good at what he does. Jackie Joyner Kersee
Even though I'm not a competitive athlete, I have to still maintain things and try to keep myself fit because I am at that age where I need to make sure to get those regular checkups and make sure everything is in tact. Jackie Joyner Kersee
The London games mark the 24th anniversary of my winning two golds and setting the world record in the heptathlon. Someone is going to want it; records are made to be broken - it's only a matter of time. I hope mine will outlive me. Jackie Joyner Kersee
As you grow older and young people come up to you with their history books, you realize that some of the things I have been able to do have been impactful. But for me, I try to keep everything in perspective and stay humble. Jackie Joyner Kersee
Quality training is what I do now; before it was a combination of both quality and quantity. Now I'm not trying to be a world-class athlete, I don't need to train at that level. It's about being fit, fit for life. Jackie Joyner Kersee
People assuming that because I'm a great athlete, I can dance. But no. My rhythm is off a little bit. Jackie Joyner Kersee
I set my sights on making an Olympic team, not realizing how tough it was going to be. Jackie Joyner Kersee
I love track and field, but I also know the day will come when I will have to do something else. Jackie Joyner Kersee
There are a lot of other people that really play a significant role in helping you become an Olympian. Jackie Joyner Kersee
What people need to know is that asthma isn't a minor 'wheeze-disease.' It kills over five thousand people in America every year, and I could've been one of them. Jackie Joyner Kersee
Teaching kids about health and fitness is important to me. It's about being fit for life. Jackie Joyner Kersee
Ask any athlete: We all hurt at times. I'm asking my body to go through seven different tasks. To ask it not to ache would be too much. Jackie Joyner Kersee