Quotes from Carl Lewis

Every New Year's Eve, I have a pact to do something I never thought I'd do. So I created this list. You have to free your mind to do things you wouldn't think of doing. Don't ever say no.

I know there are a lot of people out there who have the best intentions but not the voice, so it's about people like me to give them a voice and hear their ideas.

Seriously, some Americans just shouldn't leave the country.

I'm not a coach and I know it. I'm too busy and it doesn't pay. I'm expensive. But I would always advise.

I'm a businessman and actor and I still make appearances.

If you don't have confidence, you'll always find a way not to win.

Scientists have proven that it's impossible to long-jump 30 feet, but I don't listen to that kind of talk. Thoughts like that have a way of sinking into your feet.

It's all about the journey, not the outcome.

We cannot rest until we make sure that our families can afford to live and raise their kids here, that our seniors can remain in their homes and afford their health and pharmaceutical costs.

When I decided to go for four gold medals I planned it out over a few years. It was in four different events and there was a lot to it.

Amateurism is the strongest form of discrimination in sports. Because it discriminates against the underprivileged, it discriminates against the poor. If we want sports to go back to the wealthy, let's make it amateur again.

I always wanted to be wealthy. I did.

People have a moral standard about what they will do and will not do. At the end of the day someone who cheats has a lower moral standard than someone who does not. And they will cheat in other areas of life as well.

Any press is good press. So keep on ragging me.

I like the pressure of having to perform so people will come to me.

Whether I'm 40, 50 or 60, I'm going to be as physically strong as I am able.

I tell you, it was kind of two-fold. I fortunately had a lot of support. My coach was amazing - he told me to focus on being prepared and that is what I did. Every athlete is nervous - any athlete who tells you they're not nervous isn't telling you the truth. I was as prepared as I could be.

Channel your energy. Focus.

Life is about timing and overcoming difficult things.

My thoughts before a big race are usually pretty simple. I tell myself: Get out of the blocks, run your race, stay relaxed. If you run your race, you'll win... channel your energy. Focus.

There is no correlation between a childhood success and a professional athlete.

To this day, most people think of me as the fastest human. They don't really think me as a long jumper, although that's the event I had more success in.

My life isn't interesting! It's my mom. You need to write her life and put me in it. I'm a cameo in her life.

You have to free your mind to do things you wouldn't think of doing. Don't ever say no.