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Growing up where I grew up, we looked to athletes. They were our first heroes. They came from the same places we came from. I mean, you can't watch TV and see someone who is successful that you can really relate to. That person isn't real; he doesn't exist. But athletes traveled the world, had these big houses and gave their families a better life.

I have so much respect for athletes like LeBron James. I get motivation from them because I know how many hours they put into it. It takes a lot of hard work and drive.

I do like athletes as they have amazing self-discipline.

In general, I enjoy athletes who have a strong character who let their abilities speak for themselves.

Athletes are sort of part of the community at large. They have to be dedicated to what they do, and go through lots of peaks and valleys. And there's a lot of training that goes into their careers. It's a struggle. Very dramatic.

Athletes are very cool to me.

Actors geek out over athletes. Everyone knows that.

I don't see many people as heroes and, though I love sport, I believe athletes rarely deserve that praise.

Getting to know athletes from all over the planet is a big part of the Olympic experience.

I've met and sketched most of the great athletes from the past five decades and their movement, grace and energy have kept me captivated over the years. That's what the ancient Greeks first saw and that's what caught my interest.