At the end of the day, we've got the Olympics. After you've gone to inline worlds, you've reached the top of that sport. What do you have to look forward to after that? |
Athletics is a very selfish pursuit. I wake up every morning and as I get ready for the day, I ask myself, how can I be the best in the world. So after years of this, and people sacrificing so I can be the best in the world, I think it's imperative for me or anybody else who reaches a pinnacle in their careers to reach out a hand for somebody else. |
Competing for 16 years has been the main focus of my life. Basically, it's a selfish pursuit. I've focused all my energy on how to be the best in the world, and there's been many others who have sacrificed for me to make that happen. I figured it was time for me to reach out and help someone else. |
For me to walk away with a gold medal is just amazing, and the best way I can say thanks is to try to help somebody else. |
He gets up to speed so fast. He's like mercury. He just rises. |
He would have been a great part of the team. If you look at the times those guys skated, he would have probably been a deciding factor there. (But) I don't fault him for it. |
I always felt like if I did something big, I wanted to give something back. The best way is by helping someone else. |
I believe in what they are doing. |
I don't know why more people don't do it. I feel so great right now, and so happy. I think, when I look back, I'm going to be prouder of this than I am of winning a gold medal. |
I don't want to put anything past the guy. But this is his weakest individual event. |
I feel blessed by the honor. I've worked hard for a lot of years, but everyone works hard for a lot of years. Every single person that walks around the village has put in time, effort, sweat and tears, and their family has sacrificed for them. You always dream it would come together and it has. I don't even know if it has hit me yet, but it's a great experience, something I'll remember forever. |
I feel like I'm not really worthy. It's a wonderful honor, and I'm thrilled that it happened. I really never imagined it would. |
I feel the same as I felt in the 500. I didn't feel an enormous pressure to perform, I didn't feel like the weight of expectations are on me. |
I have been kind of plotting this in my head. I wanted to be prepared if the stars aligned. They have got a great program and they have done a lot of good. |
I knew if I ever did something like this, I wanted to be able to give something back. The best way I can say thanks is to donate my money to help somebody else. |