"I went to more of an Olympic lifting program, gaining strength and flexibility all in one," he said.
Read Yorkshireman Alan Mak on the north's need to go for the Olympic legacy with equal strength and speed - on this morning's Guardian Northerner here.
"There are rightly questions around legacy at every Olympic Games, but the strength of our plans is that every single venue and facility has a pre-determined and longstanding use once the Games is over.
"All our members, as well as everyone else around the world, want to celebrate the Olympic values of personal strength and endurance and integrity," she said.
Backes spoke about the importance of goaltending at the Olympic tournament and the strength at that position.
And while most of us can't reasonably aspire to Olympic gymnast levels of strength and flexibility, she'll probably inspire a few adults to lace up our sneakers or pick up a few weights, too.
"You don't become an Olympic champion without that inner strength".
The fact that there was no place for Liukin, a reigning Olympic champion, demonstrates the extraordinary strength of the team.
The lone American gold from Montreal is considered one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history, given the enhanced strength of the East Germans and their stunning performances.
37 Strength Seen for Olympic Bid The people behind New York City's bid for the 2012 Summer Games now think they have a realistic chance to beat the four European capitals with which they are competing.
