Ashton Eaton

I had a dream, my dream came true, and my mom was there for me every step of the way. We didn't do this for any other reason. I am so happy she is here to experience this with me. This would not be the same if she were not by my side.

The great thing about this is, and not to pump my own tires, but I feel like I'm not maximized yet. I feel like I can still run faster, jump higher, which I think makes it special. Hopefully, going to London, I'll be welcomed into the decathlon community.

I'm just happy to be part of the family, the decathlon family.

I think watching multi-events is much worse than competing. Especially when you have vested interests because you go through the emotional ups and downs.

Every day, we as athletes face several challenges during the training process, and it is imperative that we approach each situation carefully and with continued precision.

The strong ones are the ones who realize that having a bad training day, those types of days are necessary.

It's hard for me to speak of my own development. I'm the one behind the steering wheel, and it is easier to see where the vehicle is going when you are looking at it. For me, it feels like I have been doing the same thing all along.

The only thing I want to think about the moments before a race is competing. I don't want the little things to distract me.

From the time I started the decathlon, I've loved the event. I didn't know why. I still don't know why.

Now that I'm older, I see the benefits of having free time to release energy.

To be with the other two-time gold medalists is great, but it's great to just be a decathlete.

You try to figure out the best way to throw the shot put, or the perfect way to long jump, and you don't ever get it. You just chip away, chip away, chip away as time goes on.