Mary Lou Retton Quotes

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

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.

What is the fire that burns in your heart? If you are lucky enough to discover it, than by all means fan the flames and let the fire be the guiding light for a life worth living.

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.

Erase the word "failure" from your vocabulary. No case is ever truly closed, and no challenge is ever over.

The endorsement game has been very good to me.

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

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

I love her attitude, but as much as I'd like to bring my medals to a speech or appearance, I never do.

Children possess a remarkable amount of passion. They throw themselves completely, heart and soul, into everything.

Working hard becomes a habit, a serious kind of fun. You get self-satisfaction from pushing your self to the limit, knowing that all the effort is going to pay off.

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

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.

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

There can be distractions, but if you're isolated from the heart of the Games, the Olympics become just another competition.

Each of us has a fire in our hearts for something. It's our goal in life to find it and keep it.

I'm very determined and stubborn. There's a desire in me that makes me want to do more and more, and to do it right. Each one of us has a fire in our heart for something. It's our goal in life to find it and to keep it lit.

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

You've got to believe in yourself first. Take risks and don't be afraid to fall.

Faith is a gateway to happiness that remains permanently accessible to each of us, wherever we are, no matter our circumstances.

Even though it may seem counterintuitive, a comfort zone is a dangerous place to be.

Fragile egos are put on the line every day.

Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive, good things and good people will be drawn to you.

Rather then focusing on the obstacle in your path, focus on the bridge over the obstacle.

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

I cant justify taking money away from hungry kids and needy schools to pay for the Games when corporations are willing to write the checks.

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.