I'm an engineer. I studied physics and engineering. In fact, in 1978 I started working as an aerospace engineer with General Dynamics. I used to test cruise missiles, space systems, I worked on the first generation of cruise missile.
I used to be seriously incognito - without wanting to be. The effect of the magazines, television, billboards - they've changed my whole life in terms of having to deal with being a, quote, star.
One of my major competitors was Harold Smith. Smith beat me in 1977. I was loafing during that competition.
It doesn't matter who you are. It can happen to anybody. We have Kenyan, Dominican Republic and even Scandinavian Olympic gold medalists. All you need is will power.
Going back to the '70s and '80s I was one of the athletes who believed in true sport. I never took medical supplements, believed in diet and exercising. I always represent clean athletes.
I went to Moorehouse College. There was no track and field there.
I used to have tears in my eyes on the way to practice because I was so focused. For me, track and field was serious business. I didn't have any friends. I was very isolated and very focused.
I think I was in the most historical and golden era of track and field.
I always saw hurdles as a form of art, because it's very individual. One technique that may produce a world record for one guy could be useless for another guy.
