I think I spent all my life in gymnastics. And if you will ask me I want to change something in your past life, no. I will go same.

Don't be afraid if things seem difficult in the beginning. That's only the initial impression. The important thing is not to retreat; you have to master yourself.

Its better to have a rich soul than to be rich.

This ability to conquer oneself is no doubt the most precious of all things sports bestows.

I'd been ready too, because before Olympic Games, I wasn't compete in big competition like, World Championship, like European Championship. I just competed in national competition.

And from that nineteen sixty four, this was my goal to go to Olympic Games. And I realized what does it mean, Olympic Games, like big celebration.

Anyway I will go same road because I, I was born in gymnastics. This is my, how to say, my life and my duty.

I am not interested in medals or titles. I dont need them. I need the love of the public and I fight for it.

And, in nineteen seventy two Olympic Games I wasn't really going to be a star, and overnight I became a star.

But let me do I will show the world what gymnastics looks like. Well may be this is a future gymnastics.

How many people in the world is, each of them is individual. And I like to eat bread, somebody don't like that. You know this is the same in gymnastics.

Be where you are

Just EnoughSoil for legsAxe for handsFlower for eyesBird for earsMushrooms for noseSmile for mouthSongs for lungsSweat for skinWind for mind

Look forward to be a learner. The leader comes along.

Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.

On the phone, it's about as intimate as it can get. The person's right in your ear. You got to be careful on the phone. You can leave yourself wide open

I am convinced by a sad experience that it is natural to avoid those to whom we have been too much obliged, and that uncommon generosity causes neglect rather than gratitude.

Small crimes always precedes great ones.

If power was an illusion, wasn't weakness necessarily one also?

Faith for my deliverance is not faith in God. Faith means, whether I am visibly delivered or not, I will stick to my belief that God is love.

Most burning issues generate far more heat than light.