Edwin Moses

My father was an all-American football player.

Both parents supported my becoming a world class athlete.

Stretching was a major part of my preparation.

I was always a mean and lean athlete - not tall - not large.

I used to be seriously incognito - without wanting to be. The effect of the magazines, television, billboards - they've changed my whole life in terms of having to deal with being a, quote, star.

The joint lubrication was not what it was when I was competing, and I decided that not having arthritis or rheumatism for the rest of my life was a lot more important to me than returning to the track.

I used to have tears in my eyes on the way to practice because I was so focused. For me, track and field was serious business. I didn't have any friends. I was very isolated and very focused.

Going back to the '70s and '80s I was one of the athletes who believed in true sport. I never took medical supplements, believed in diet and exercising. I always represent clean athletes.

I always had to keep improving my skills in order to remain competitive and keep winning.

My concentration level blocks out everything. Concentration is why some athletes are better than others. You develop that concentration in training and concentrate in a meet.

I think I was in the most historical and golden era of track and field.

I don't think I was a perfect hurdler, but I guess I did win all the time.