Motivational motto
Kerri Walsh, beach volleyball: “The three B’s! You’ve got to breathe, believe and battle.”
Lashinda Demus, hurdles: “Exceptional athletes are those who are willing to lose 100 times to just win once.”
Pre-competition ritual
Nastia Liukin, gymnastics: “Listening to my pump-up playlist.”
Bryan Clay, decathlon: “I cut my hair and shave my legs and face. I like to clean up before I go out.”
Staying focused
Trey Hardee, decathlon: “I choose a focal point, either the task at hand or something physical such as a Red Bull can or a piece of grass.”
Kim Rhode, double trap/skeet shooter: “I focus on my heartbeat and my breathing, until that’s all I hear.”
Pre-workout meal
Missy Franklin, swimming: “I concentrate on fluids. In swimming, although you don’t feel it, you sweat a lot.”
Michael Hunter, boxing: “I love breakfast. It’s not breakfast without eggs. And oatmeal, and sausage and pancakes …”
