MICHELLE CARTER

Athletes can not look the same and be great in their individual sport. The example I like to use is Gabby Douglas. She could not flip in the air if she was built like me, but then Gabby Douglas couldn't throw the shot put. I was built like this because I was made to throw the shot put.

You have to understand, everyone's body was built to do something. I was built to do something, and that's how I was built. I think the world is realizing we were promoting one body type, and there have always been many.

Black Girl Magic means that I have the power to overcome anything. Especially when we're in a world where you're told that you can't do something or you're less than, I'm reminded that my ancestors have overcome so much. There's still so much work to be done, and I have the power to overcome it.

I can't choose a favorite musician, because I love music so much that whatever/whomever I'm listening to at that moment is my favorite.

I throw the shot put, people expect me to look like somebody named Helga and not put on make up to be considered serious about my sport.

You have 15-20 years of work for that one throw, that one moment. And I was like, 'Okay, Lord, this is it - you told me I had the victory. So this is the time to show me'. And I'm going to give it all I have because this is my last throw in the Olympics.

You need to have explosive power. So you need to have good agility to move your feet quick and be in the right place at the right time. So you have to be an overall athlete: you need to be in shape to be able to throw.

I can actually dress up or bring my femininity in and bring my own flair and my own stout - and still be great at what I do. We're created different to be unique!

You have to grow up, and you learn things along the way.

Winning a gold medal means you're the best in the world at that time.

I can secretly sing. But I am extremely shy when it comes to singing in public.

One of my sayings is: look good, feel good, do good.

I've matured - just growing up and learning more about my sport and more about myself.

I just want to go out there and do my best. You can't argue with your best.

Depending on how slow I move that day, weight training will take two to three hours.

Being a female athlete, sometimes your clothes don't fit right if you have a small waist and broad shoulders, or strong hips. And it's OK to embrace that.

I grew up in church. I don't know anything different.

My body had to mature, and my mind had to mature. I had to put these pieces together.

My very first sport was soccer. I used to play in goal, but after I was hit the face with the ball a couple of times, I was done with soccer.

For a couple of years, being professional, I kind of questioned myself. Should I wear my false lashes or take the time I want to take so I can feel good when I go out on the field? Because nobody else was really doing that. And I thought, No: I'm not going to change what I believe I should look like to fit anybody else's standards.

I gained over 100 lbs. that I could never lose. My hair was falling out. I was tired all the time. I couldn't maintain muscle. I had no energy. It gave me some relief that there was something actually wrong with me and I wasn't crazy, but it was really hard knowing that there is something wrong with my body and I couldn't fix it.

Fashion and beauty is a reflection of what's on the inside. And if you're genuine, they match up. The core of who you are will be the same.

For some people, being bare-faced is wonderful. Others like a little bit of mascara and eyeliner.

I never focus on trying to beat somebody.

The first event I vividly remember was competing at the Junior Olympics in Seattle, Washington. It was my first major competition outside of Texas, and I remember being very nervous. I could not control my nerves, and I threw a few fouls.