Athlete's Perspective Quotes

I remember when I first walked into an American locker room, and no one had ever seen a 130-pound wrestler before. Those guys thought I was such a joke.

I like to think that I'm a family man first and a professional athlete second.

It's good to go out and entertain these people, and you've got them on the edge of their seat, they're standing up. Then you know that you've done your job, you've entertained them. My way of entertaining them is going out and wrestling. Everyone's got their different ways.

For me, I've lived a life as an athlete.

One of the great things about the X Games and the Olympics is being on the international stage. It gives you a cool opportunity to express, not only your personal style, but also your faith and what you believe in and your values.

I was probably in the best shape of any athlete at the time, but you don't get to pass judgment on yourself.

Waving the flag at the 1976 Olympics wasn't my idea. It was too much apple pie and ice cream. Not that I don't love my country, but I felt it was my victory up there, I put all the time into it.

I consider myself to be half-Brazilian and half-German on the pitch.

I was between 2 and 3 in the world for two, three years. That's not exactly where I wanted to be.

I'd rather get a nice warmup suit. That's something I can use. Gold medals just sit there. When I get old, maybe I could sell them if I need the money.

I have the impression that cycling is no longer a game but rather an employment... a job.