American track and field athlete, nine-time Olympic champion, considered one of the greatest athletes of the twentieth century.
Retiring from sports is not an end but a beginning. I close one chapter to write another. Life doesn't end with medals.
I am stronger than people's thoughts about me. My career was an answer to everyone who never believed in me. And it was sweet revenge through success.
Each gold medal is a separate story of struggle, faith and overcoming oneself. I lived nine different lives in one body.
When you run with all your might, there's no room for fears. No room for doubts. There's only you and freedom. That's why I loved sports so much.
I believe the spirit of sports is alive as long as there are people willing to risk everything. That faith never ages.
Every race could be the last. So I run as if it were my last day on earth. That gives me strength.
I'm not afraid of aging. I like that my body tells my story. Every scar is a medal of courage earned on the path to the top.