It's cool because here everybody has the same goal. We're all competing for our countries. We're all coming down here to do our best. And we all are the best athletes in our own countries.
— Michelle Carter
God puts us in position to do the things we need to, both on and off the track, to honor Him.
I grew up in church. I don't know anything different.
I never focus on trying to beat somebody.
I can secretly sing. But I am extremely shy when it comes to singing in public.
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.
If I was to get nervous, then I'm wasting my energy.
When you see somebody who always came so close, and they finally accomplish what they've been working for - to see someone excel and break through that barrier - it's a great moment not just for that athlete but for all of us.
Understanding how to compete better has really made a difference.
I call him 'Daddy Coach.' He's taught me everything that he's known so I'm able to do what I'm able to do.
I pretty much eat at home all the time, so it's either eggs and sausage, scrambled together, throw some cheese on it, or some bell peppers and onions.
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.
Learning disabilities do not go away, but you learn how to adapt. You may have to work a little bit harder; it may take a long time. You just may do it differently - but you can do it.
Of course, I can't wait until I get the medal and I can walk around the house and say, 'Daddy, I got you.'
My family's so awesome. They help me be the person I can be.
I have to have my lashes. For me, it all sets the tone: I'm getting ready to go to work.
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.
We definitely don't want to get in others' way while we're competing.
We have to be ready to share our faith in Christ.
My advice is try something you've never done before or maybe something that's not as popular.
We grew up listening to a variety of music, such as Gospel/Christian, R&B old/new school, jazz, blues, Mozart, Mary Poppins, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, just to name a few. I love opera, too - went to state in high school as a soloist.
My mom called me 'Stinky Binky' as a toddler, and I started to refer to myself as, 'I'm Binkie.'
Even though I was dealing with all of these health issues, I was still doing well during my season. It wasn't the best season, but it was consistent. And I figured if I could be this consistent when I'm not my best, what happens when I get better, where could I be? So I wanted to see what I would be like on the other side.
Anything can happen. Everybody is working to be on that team and to win the Olympic Games.
Don't be afraid to try new things, because I just tried shot put not knowing my family history behind it, and trying it led me to the rest of my life.
I've matured - just growing up and learning more about my sport and more about myself.
Depending on how slow I move that day, weight training will take two to three hours.
I've been to three Olympics. I gave it my all.
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!
What I would tell a kid with ADHD and dyslexia or someone who struggles with anything in life is this: 'When you put your mind to it, you can do anything.'
I'm very, very grateful for all the support I've had. It's been an amazing journey.
After the 2012 Olympics, I returned to training, but unlike in previous years, my off-season weight gain didn't melt off as soon as I got back to my routine. I was tired, and my clothes weren't fitting. I'd been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which means my thyroid is underactive, and that slows my metabolism.
The night before, I'll lay out the makeup I want to put on: a brow filler, a lipstick - there's a NYX red one that looks great with those Team USA uniforms - and my lashes.
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.
Winning a gold medal means you're the best in the world at that time.
My faith has always been part of my life.
I just want to go out there and do my best. You can't argue with your best.
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.
Some people are meant to be bigger, and that's okay. Because if everybody was built the same, it would be a little boring. We enjoy the differences in each other, and I think that's what makes all of us beautiful.
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.
It means a lot that my peers think so much of me that they would pick me to be their team leader.
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.
My goal is to peak big in Rio because my goal is to win gold.
By the end of the day, I just want someone to feed me.
I can walk in a room of people who may not know Christ and still be myself. And they can still see Christ in me even though they may not know who it is, but I know that they can see that in me and I'm carrying that with me.
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.
I was definitely a handful back then. I could not sit down long enough to study.
Rio has been absolutely epic. I did leave my heart out there, and I wanted to do everybody proud.
After a lifetime of feeling at home in my plus-size body, I was a 27-year-old having self-esteem issues. Clothes shopping stopped being fun and became a chore; I couldn't wear the curve-showing styles I loved without Spanx - and I worried that my new body would affect my training.
Accepting your body and body image is very important, because there are images that are put out in the media and in your face every day that you need to look this certain kind of way, that it's gonna take you far in life.
