Ashton Eaton

I won't back down. I get a satisfaction from being tested and defeating the test.

I can't remember when I wasn't running around doing some sort of a sporting activity.

I am actually a huge supporter of the Canadian athletes, and they are all really nice people.

I think what's at risk is kids losing touch with being a kid. Being a kid is being defined differently than it was when you didn't have all this stuff you could put in front of your face.

I would like to have a decathlon where all of my throws are really consistent and set the tone. That I'm good all-around, not just a speed and jump guy.

You're just constantly battling this thing that is telling you, 'I don't think I can do it.' I think we all have it. When you're fresh and alert, you can easily put those doubts down. But when you're tired, they easily come up to the surface.

My key to dealing with stress is simple: just stay cool and stay focused.

Nike came to me and said, 'We're interested in the decathlon and interested in seeing if we can help you get as close to 10,000 points as we can.'

After asking questions about current recovery techniques, the conversation prompted me to ask myself, 'Why does it feel good after running to pour a bottle of water over your head?' I don't know the physiological answer, but the fact that it does feel better makes me perform better.

As athletes, we love to say, 'Just one more; I'm going to figure it out on this next one.' It's tough to pull back the reins and do what is smart physically, listening to your body and always ending a workout or session feeling like I could have done more.

My mom took me to a taekwondo class, and I fell in love. I was seven years old.

I'm very happy to have set a world record in Tallinn. Estonians sure do love athletics and combined events!