Dan O'Brien Quotes

Breaking the world record in '92 was a very special personal moment, but I'd say my favorite moment as a decathlete was winning the Olympic gold medal.

It means a lot to be an Olympian. I'm obviously so grateful and feel so lucky I was able to achieve my dream of winning an Olympic gold medal.

I savored my time on top of the podium by watching the American flag rise up out of the crowd as the anthem played, thinking about how every single second of training I've done was for this minute and how many people played a role in my achievement.

When you win an Olympic gold, it is such a powerful feeling that stays with you for the rest of your life.

I remember seeing the Olympics when I was 13. I always wanted to know how it felt to stand on top of the podium hearing your country's anthem while watching your flag being raised in something you poured your heart and soul into.

Winning that team-pursuit Olympic gold medal was unbelievable.

To finish off this whole Olympics by finally getting the gold medal, it's the best feeling in the world.

For sure, 2010 was the best year I've ever had. It couldn't have gone any better for me. Even if I just won the Olympic gold medal, that would have made it the best year of my career and the best day of my life, period. Winning the World Cup races and the overall title just topped it off.

I graduated a the top of my class in the '84 Olympic Games; I won a gold medal.

Athens is a great place for me. It is my second home. It's where I won my first world championship medal, it's where I set my world record.

The Vancouver Olympics was the first competition where I completed the short and free programs without any mistakes, and that in itself was a huge achievement.

I feel very fortunate. I feel like an Olympian. When I watch the Olympics, I cry because I have been through that journey.

The winners at the Olympics step up, bursting with pride, because everything that they have worked for and all their dedication is rewarded in a climax that I, and most golfers, will never experience.

For me, back in Sydney, it was just being there and going out and beating Alexander Karelin, 13-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist. It was everything for me.

The Olympics is still my greatest achievement... I have many belts, but there is only one Olympic gold.

Especially winning for Belgian, it's so emotional for me.

While growing up, my dream and my goal was to win an Olympic gold medal. I did that, and both times, they were the proudest moments in my amateur career.

To have been selected to represent Team South Africa at the London 2012 Olympic Games in the individual 400m and the 4x400m relay is a real honor and I am so pleased that years of hard work, determination and sacrifice have all come together.

My feelings, as the last ball travelled over the net, and as I realized that the final match was mine, I cannot describe. I felt that here was a prize for all the games I had ever played.

I feel like I'm on top of the world. Honestly, I feel like I've climbed a very giant mountain, and I'm just standing right on top with my arms wide open and breathing rarified air.

I am glad. I am now an Olympic medallist.

It just feels good to beat the world champs to be the world champs.

You have a lot of emotion at the end of the race. It is not easy to control that when you win.

I still can't believe I'm an Olympic athlete.

I always say that every win has something that is special.