Know that even when you want to give up or throw in the towel, in the end it will all be worth the hard work.

I won't back down. I get a satisfaction from being tested and defeating the test.

If you have done something once, you can do it again or you can do it better. The beauty is the pursuit of the limit, not the limit itself. At least that's what I hope people realize.

The desire definitely comes from within. There are only a few people who make it to this level and those are the ones who have that innate desire.

To do the best that I possibly could in my world makes me pretty happy.

Competition is pretty much the essence of everything, it gives humans drive.

It's important not to make the gold medal bigger than it is.

The thing I like about decathlon is also the thing I dislike: It's the maximum challenge, but also the maximum frustration.

I'm not maximized yet.

I think a challenge for myself is to see how many times I can get above 9,000. That would be a good challenge.

I wouldn't say there was a moment of realization when I wanted to be a runner; it was always just something I was.

Heart stop aching, mind stop thinking.

The bassist -- always the bassist.

ALATE POSTULATEWhen angels were invented, flight required wings

Fashion illustrator Antonio Lopez was a major part of my early career.

I always have a point of view. It may not be right, but it's my own.

Peace will come With tranquility and splendor on the wheels of fire But will bring us no reward when her false idols fall.

Never underestimate the healing effects of beauty.

As the worlds getting filled with temptations, were getting a bit frivolous and a bit fickle.

The light music of whiskey falling into glasses made an agreeable interlude.

When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change.