Allyson Felix

“I don't have a sprinter's body.”

“My mom is great and I make sure that we pray together before every race. She helps me put everything in perspective and remind me of the real reason I run.”

“I never let track define me. That's something that's really important to me.”

“I myself am frustrated in just where sports are at. It's a hard thing when you're out there working every day, and you know that someone else is cheating and they may not necessarily get caught.”

“I feel old.”

“It was not until the end of my freshman year in high school that I thought I could really have a future in track and field. I definitely did not think I could make it to the Olympics back then, though; I was just focused on making it to the state finals!”

“I always want to give more than I gave yesterday.”

“I love a great pair of jeans and a nice blouse.”

“I am a sprinter, and I love to go fast. It's very difficult for me to be patient and follow a race strategy or conserve energy.”

“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.”

“I love the relays. Track is such an individual sport, so it's fun to do something together.”

“Before a race, I block out what's going on in the stadium. It's different for everyone. But for me, I've always been able to block it out. For a sprint race, it's important not to get distracted.”

“Most people don't think about plyometrics when they think about powerful strength. But I do lots of them to build mine.”

“Being a role model is a privilege.”

“The biggest way I stay motivated is to run with a group of friends. Sometimes it's hard to get going by yourself, but if you have a plan and a meeting time, you know this run will happen for sure. It's a way to have fun - while also getting in a workout. Plus it distracts from pain, helps you fight fatigue, and gives you that extra push.”