The best piece of advice my father gave me was to always work hard. One thing he instilled: Proper preparation prevents poor performances.
I was not aware of what my dad had accomplished. I grew up with him playing football.
You have to grow up, and you learn things along the way.
My body had to mature, and my mind had to mature. I had to put these pieces together.
My goal is to beat you whether you're clean or dirty.
You have 15-20 years of work for that one throw, that one moment. And I was like, 'Okay, Lord, this is it - you told me I had the victory. So this is the time to show me'. And I'm going to give it all I have because this is my last throw in the Olympics.
The night before, I'll lay out the makeup I want to put on: a brow filler, a lipstick - there's a NYX red one that looks great with those Team USA uniforms - and my lashes.
After a lifetime of feeling at home in my plus-size body, I was a 27-year-old having self-esteem issues. Clothes shopping stopped being fun and became a chore; I couldn't wear the curve-showing styles I loved without Spanx - and I worried that my new body would affect my training.
Rio has been absolutely epic. I did leave my heart out there, and I wanted to do everybody proud.
What I would tell a kid with ADHD and dyslexia or someone who struggles with anything in life is this: 'When you put your mind to it, you can do anything.'
Learning disabilities do not go away, but you learn how to adapt. You may have to work a little bit harder; it may take a long time. You just may do it differently - but you can do it.
After the 2012 Olympics, I returned to training, but unlike in previous years, my off-season weight gain didn't melt off as soon as I got back to my routine. I was tired, and my clothes weren't fitting. I'd been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which means my thyroid is underactive, and that slows my metabolism.
Fashion and beauty is a reflection of what's on the inside. And if you're genuine, they match up. The core of who you are will be the same.
I've been to three Olympics. I gave it my all.
By the end of the day, I just want someone to feed me.
Depending on how slow I move that day, weight training will take two to three hours.
I call him 'Daddy Coach.' He's taught me everything that he's known so I'm able to do what I'm able to do.
I've matured - just growing up and learning more about my sport and more about myself.
Understanding how to compete better has really made a difference.
Don't be afraid to try new things, because I just tried shot put not knowing my family history behind it, and trying it led me to the rest of my life.
