A race is a work of art that people can look at and be affected by in as many ways they're capable of understanding.

Most people run a race to see who is fastest. I run a race to see who has the most guts.

I'm the one who has made all the sacrifices. Those are my American records, not the country's.

I used to say, 'Hey, man, what kind of a stupid question is that?' to a newspaperman asking me heavy things right after a race when I'm still in an emotional state. Now I at least try to answer.

To hell with love of country - I compete for myself.

For me, running against the Poles and Czechs would be like running against high school kids. And I hate all this gung-ho, run-for-the-red-white-and-blue attitude that the AAU spouts. If that's important to some people, fine, more power to 'em. But, damn it, I wish they'd leave me alone to do what I want to do - run against the best.

I like to be able to go out to dinner once in a while. I like to be able to drive my MG up the McKenzie River on a weekday afternoon. I like to be able to pay my bills on time.

American athletes, especially distance runners, are at a big disadvantage against the rest of the world. We're expected to live by all the rules, like not being able to coach, but still train and make our own living.

People say I should be running for a gold medal for the old red, white and blue and all that bull, but it's not gonna be that way.

World records at 19. I don't want that. Later, yes. And when it comes, I'll learn to live with it, but it won't be my first love.