Surrounded by an environment with limited resources, in a family of six children, Joaquim Cruz wanted to be "somebody," someone important who would make a difference. He didn't know what kind of person, but he knew it would be someone with an important name.

He started playing basketball at a local community center at age twelve. Soon a physical education instructor saw him and started persuading Joaquim to join the track team.

"I did not want to run," said Cruz, "I liked basketball, I was enjoying playing and running did not seem that much fun." Gradually the coach was able to get Joaquim started...that was the beginning of a golden career.

He won a gold medal in the 1984 Olympics and the Olympic record, a silver medal in the 1988 Olympics, a gold medal in the 1987 Pan American games, first rank in the world by Track and Field in 800 and 1000 meters in 1984/1985, NCAA Champion in the 800 and 1500 meters, leading the University of Oregon to the NCAA Team Title in 1984. He started his career with the Junior World record in the 800 meters in Brazil in 1981, his latest victory was in the 1995 Pan American Games with a gold medal in the 1500 meters and the Pan American record with 3:40:26. The South America representative in the Athlete's Commission for the International Athletic Federation since 1989, Cruz is currently training for the 1996 Olympics.

Under the same coach for the last twenty years, Joaquim Cruz has received international recognition for his accomplishments in track and field. As an Olympian he knows what it takes to reach great success in track and in life. During an exclusive interview for Self-Help & Psychology Magazine Joaquim Cruz talked about his successful career and described the characteristics necessary to be a winner.

What are the characteristics that you have which led you to a successful career in sport?

Being able to enjoy training sessions, dedication, patience, long-term goals, and persistence.

What is the key to success?