Mary Lou Retton Quotes (28 Quotes)

I'm not a politician and not a policeman, just a mother who wants her baby daughter to grow up in a world where fear doesn't rule.

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

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

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

Fragile egos are put on the line every day.

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

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.

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

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.

Back in my day, they picked the top few, and since I was first at the U.S. Championships and first at the Trials I knew I was going.

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

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

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.

I can't justify taking money away from hungry kids and needy schools to pay for the Games when corporations are willing to write the checks.

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

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

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.

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

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.

The endorsement game has been very good to me.

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

I like added pressure. It makes me work harder.

More than 10,000 athletes came to Atlanta seeking Olympic medals. Only a few of them will be lucky and skilled enough to claim one.

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

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.

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