Nadia Comaneci

I don't run away from a challenge because I am afraid. Instead, I run toward it because the only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your feet.

Of course, most people remember that I received the first perfect 10 in Olympic gymnastics competition.

Enjoy the journey and try to get better every day. And don't lose the passion and the love for what you do.

I studied international relations and economics at the University of Virginia. I paid my way by working as a bartender in the summer and at three part-time jobs during the year.

Well, I actually wrote her a letter a couple of days ago congratulating her. The tone I tried to convey in the letter is, look, you are a part of a great American historical process.