| I'm now a legend. I'm also the greatest athlete to live. |
| I have said it over the years that when it comes to the championships, this is what I do. I just came out here and showed the world I am the best. |
| Watching London's opening ceremonies. Hard to believe my ancestors were conquered by theirs |
| Olympism is a doctrine of the fraternity between the body and the soul. |
| The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well. |
| The Olympic Games were created for the exhalation of the individual athlete. |
| The swimming and diving were held in part of the old moat... it was the clammiest, darkest place and the water was frigid. |
| One shouldn't be afraid to lose; this is sport. One day you win; another day you lose. Of course, everyone wants to be the best. This is normal. This is what sport is about. This is why I love it. |
| The Olympics remain the most compelling search for excellence that exists in sport, and maybe in life itself. |
| An Olympic medal is the greatest achievement and honor that can be received by an athlete. I would swap any World Title to have won gold at the Olympics. |