Quotes by Mary Retton

• 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.
• Many athletes competing in Atlanta wouldn't be here if it weren't for corporate support.
• Many medal winners dream of competing in a sport other than the one they're famous for.
• Pay-per-view would deprive many kids of the delight of seeing the Olympics.
• 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.
• In L.A., we had a game room with a new sensation called Pac-Man.
• 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.
• That's because the International Olympic Committee has a policy of never replacing medals.
• Having a home away from the media glare is important to world-class athletes.
• Getting to know athletes from all over the planet is a big part of the Olympic experience.
• Fragile egos are put on the line every day.
• 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.
• 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.
• Companies that support sports developmental programs in our communities should also be applauded.
• Be cocky. Walk into the Georgia Dome like you own it.
• 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.
• As a kid, I was a pretty good little sprinter.
• 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.
• I love her attitude, but as much as I'd like to bring my medals to a speech or appearance, I never do.