Mary Lou Retton

“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.”

“Pay-per-view would deprive many kids of the delight of seeing the Olympics.”

“Companies that support sports developmental programs in our communities should also be applauded.”

“It's going to be really weird when I'm 80 years old, in a walker, and people are still calling me America's sweetheart. We need a new one.”

“As simple as it sounds, we all must try to be the best person we can: by making the best choices, by making the most of the talents we've been given.”

“Having a home away from the media glare is important to world-class athletes.”

“I usually don't mind giving autographs, but when hundreds of folks with paper and pen start coming at you, it's time to seek shelter.”

“The endorsement game has been very good to me.”

“For six years, I kept my five Olympic medals wrapped in a plastic bread bag beneath my bed.”

“For athletes, the Olympics are the ultimate test of their worth.”

“If I had a bad performance in a particular leotard, I threw it in the trash.”

“In the dressing room, I always put on my right shoe first. Same thing for my right wristband.”

“You give up your childhood. You miss proms and games and high-school events, and people say it's awful... I say it was a good trade. You miss something but I think I gained more than I lost.”

“As a kid, I was a pretty good little sprinter.”

“That's because the International Olympic Committee has a policy of never replacing medals.”

“Many athletes competing in Atlanta wouldn't be here if it weren't for corporate support.”

“Getting to know athletes from all over the planet is a big part of the Olympic experience.”

“In L.A., we had a game room with a new sensation called Pac-Man.”

“Many medal winners dream of competing in a sport other than the one they're famous for.”

“Be cocky. Walk into the Georgia Dome like you own it.”