Sergei Bubka (Ukrainian pole vaulter, 1988 Summer Olympics)
The Olympics are always a special competition. It is very difficult to predict what will happen.

Noureddine Morceli (Algerian athlete, 1996 Summer Olympics, on his 2000m World record)
It was an extraterrestrial performance. It is very special to go below 4:50, but I believe I can do better.

Daley Thompson (British decathlete, 2-time winner at the Olympics):
When we stage the Olympics it will inspire kids all over the country. A kid in Scotland or Ireland will be encouraged to take up sport.

Mitch Gaylord (American gymnast, 1984 Summer Olympics)
The greatest memory for me of the 1984 Olympics was not the individual honors, but standing on the podium with my teammates to receive our team gold medal.

Noureddine Morceli (Algerian athlete, 1996 Summer Olympics)
I believe in God. He is the secret of my success. He gives people talent.

Mary Lou Retton (American gymnast, 1984 Summer Olympics)
There can be distractions, but if you’re isolated from the heart of the Games, the Olympics become just another competition.

Pierre de Coubertin (founder of modern Olympic Games)
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.

Cathy Freeman (Australian athlete, 2000 Summer Olympics)
The Athens Olympics will be meaningful even though I cannot participate as an athlete, since I can participate in the flame relay all over the world.

Peter Snell (New Zealand athlete, 3-time winner of Olympics)
I think I’ve seen the fastest miler ever. His name is Morceli.

Scott Hamilton (American figure skater, 1984 Winter Olympics)
The Olympics in ’80 was phenomenal. It was my favorite memory of all competitive events, because it was brand new and it was exciting