ON KEEPING HER HEAD UP

"I would have loved to go out there and defend my title, but right now I'm just rejoicing, and so far this has just been an amazing experience. There's nothing to be ashamed about."
– to the Associated Press after missing out on the all-around competition, in August 2016

ON USING HER MISTAKES AS MOTIVATION

"I had a few mistakes, but I'm moving on. To be honest, it just motivates me even more."
– to PEOPLE, in July 2016

ON INNER BEAUTY

"Be yourself and really embrace your inner beauty and your true talent. Believe in yourself. Never let anyone tell you you can't do something when you can."
– to PEOPLE, in July 2016

ON PUSHING HERSELF TO SUCCEED

"I guess when you've been there, you're like, 'Yeah, but can you do it again?' I love the challenge. I love to push limits. I feel like I haven't reached my full potential yet."
– to Teen Vogue, in July 2016

ON HATERS WHO CRITICIZED HER HAIR

"What's wrong with my hair? I'm like, 'I just made history and people are focused on my hair? It can be bald or short – it doesn't matter about [my] hair. Nothing is going to change. I'm going to wear my hair like this during beam and bar finals. You might as well stop talking about it."
– to the Associated Press, in August 2012

ON STAYING HUMBLE

"I've learned how to stay humble. I don't want to get in over my head because when you do that, it takes you off your game."
– to Essence, in August 2012

ON FOLLOWING YOUR OWN PATH

"We can choose a path that leads us into trouble. It all comes down to our decisions at the end of the day."
– to the Wall Street Journal, in June 2013

ON TOUGHER TIMES

"And hard days are the best because that's where champions are made, so if you push through the hard days, you can get through anything."
– to CBS News, in August 2012

ON WHERE SHE GETS HER STRENGTH

"By now, you've probably caught on to something: My mother is always standing by with just the right Scripture or inspirational saying to get me through any tough situation."
– in her book Grace, Gold, and Glory: My Leap of Faith

ON COMMITTING TO YOUR GOALS

"My message is to never quit, never give up. When you have a little trouble here and there, just keep fighting. In the end, it will pay off."
– to NBC, in July 2012

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