Donovan Bailey

“When I raced, I had great parents, even a greater coach and a nutritionist. I was never insecure.”

“Our people historically have gone through a lot. That is our story. You can trace it all the way back to slavery. But it is incumbent upon everyone, no matter what field, to make it easier on the next generation.”

“Basketball is probably one of the best workouts you can possibly have, because it's cardiovascular and it's plyometrics.”

“I'm Jamaican, man. I'm Jamaican first. You gotta understand that's where I'm from. That's home. That you can never take away from me. I'm a Jamaican-born Canadian sprinter.”

“You put a very talented kid in a structured environment, where they get to understand and believe how talented they are, and you'll see some great results.”

“With success always comes criticism. I've been criticized every year of my life.”

“A strained hamstring is a muscle tear and very easy to take care of with proper therapy. The greatest problem for a sprinter coming back from a hamstring injury is getting yourself to a point where you are confident mentally that all the muscles are going to be firing.”

“You have to beat the king to be the king. No one is going to hand you a gold medal.”

“I do a lot of media work, I've been investing and I'm involved with real estate. It's totally different from what I had been doing but I find it challenging and fun. To be honest, I really don't miss the track. I pretty well accomplished what I set out to do and it was time to move on.”

“I want to give as many Canadians the opportunity to be successful and if we can use their athletic gifts to get them a free degree or a free diploma across the border then I guess I'm doing my job.”

“I think that every single person should play sports.”

“If you're open for praise, you have to be open to criticism.”

“There are many commentators who have said the wrong thing before. That's part of the business.”

“I can't criticize an athlete if they say they're injured.”

“In running, I can internalize that intensity. I can handle it because it's me and I'm coming back in the next race. I'm always ready for the next race.”

“Every kid needs a mentor. Everybody needs a mentor.”

“I'm a red meat lover. I eat carbs. I love carbs.”

“I've never been one that was on a diet, because I always ate well.”

“I've always been successful at what I do.”

“Always educate yourself.”