To overcome any sort of fear is satisfying, and to overcome it well is even better.

It's a fine balance for an athlete in enjoying the moment and being really satisfied, say, with a run, and with your day, and knowing you can make it better in the future.

An Olympic gold medal is something that almost seems like a fantasy. Yes, of course I want it, since I was a little kid, before I even knew what the World Cup tour was.

On television, I have watched countless athletes from different countries, sports and Olympics stand proudly at the top of the podium and shed tears. They symbolized the Olympics for me because Olympic medals represent all of the hard work and sacrifices made by the athletes as well as the people who helped them reach the top of their sports.

When you've won a gold medal and you're at the top of your sport, everyone's trying to beat you. I find that incredibly motivating.

Sometimes the best coaching advice you can get is simple acknowledgement that there's nothing else you could have done.