I have been running since I was 7. I was trying to restructure the way my body was made instead of trying to master the way I ran. I would get so frustrated with my starts in practices that I would just cry. When I ran, I wouldn’t even try to get out of the blocks, I would just run.

People want to think that staying in shape costs a lot of money. They couldn’t be more wrong. It doesn’t cost anything to walk. And it’s probably a lot cheaper to go to the corner store and buy vegetables than take a family out for fast food.

I was always doing something physical. My brothers and I used to have handstand contests. We’d walk around the projects on our hands and see who could get the farthest. I was always playing football with them, basketball or racing in the street.

I don’t look at myself as being famous. I look at myself as an athlete. If the money is there, I’d be happy, but I have to be happy within myself first.

I don’t always have the best eating habits. I like butter and ice cream. There are days when I should work out and I don’t. But it’s never too late to change old habits.

When anyone tells me I can’t do anything, I’m just not listening anymore.

I couldn’t wait until I grew up. I used to look at my mom’s stockings and put them on with her high heels and mess with my hair.

I don’t do drugs. I never have taken any drugs. I don’t believe in them.

I’ve always overworked in the weight room. I love working with weights. I knew they’d give me the strength I needed.

People don’t pay much attention to you when you are second best. I wanted to see what it felt like to be number one.