To make America the greatest is my goal, so I beat the Russian and I beat the Pole. And for the U.S.A. won the medal of gold. The Greeks said, 'You're better than the Cassius of old.'
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I was born and grew up in the greatest, the noblest achievement of the human race on this planet - which was called the United States of America.
American greatness was elevated significantly after Sputnik.
My grandfather always told me, 'You know you're American first, but you're a Greek-American, which makes you a better American.' It sounds sort of old-world and very sweet, but what he meant was that you should embrace those things that are most special and different about you.
I said I was 'The Greatest,' I never said I was the smartest!
Talent and effort, combined with our various backgrounds and life experiences, has always been the lifeblood of our singular American genius.
I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was.
I like to think I am the best there is at what I do, and so I have conquered the world like Alexander. But I don't believe I am the reincarnation of Alexander the Great.
Looking back, I'm so proud to have gone to five Olympics - I believe only three other Americans have achieved that. My true gold medal, though, is my daughter, Karsen, who is 18 months old. And I have a wonderful husband, Mike.
I want to thank America. You opened your heart so I could enter. Thank you everybody who lives in the United States, who saw me grow into becoming a world champion.
Being an Olympian, I always have this strong belief in excellence.
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