Early in 1999, speculation was growing that I would enter the U.S. Senate race in New York. In fact, it seemed that the only person in the world not convinced I would run was me.

I needed a push. Finally, I got one. In March, I joined tennis legend Billie Jean King at an event promoting an HBO special about women in sports. We were joined by dozens of young women athletes who were assembled on a stage adorned with a giant banner that said Dare to Compete, the title of the HBO film. Sofia Totti, the captain of the girls' basketball team, introduced me, and as I went to shake her hand, she leaned toward me and whispered in my ear. "Dare to compete, Mrs. Clinton," she said. "Dare to compete." Her comment caught me off-guard, so much so that I left the event and began to think, Could I be afraid to do something I had urged countless other women to do?

All of us wonder at times whether what lies ahead is too difficult or too challenging. In truth, sometimes our most fearsome competitor is ourself. Soon after her challenge, I decided to risk being the best I could be and entered the race.

NEXT: SEPTEMBER 11TH >>

Hillary Clinton answers your questions >>