Track and field events are some of the most physically taxing competitions in all of sports. They require incredible agility, speed, strength and mental focus. Those who participate in these competitions regularly look to track and field Olympians for advice and motivation. We’ve compiled a list of the most meaningful and insightful quotes from the best track and field Olympians throughout history. Let’s take a look at what the greats have to say about their success in both life and track and field competitions.
“Life is often compared to a marathon, but I think it is more like being a sprinter; long stretches of hard work punctuated by brief moments in which we are given the opportunity to perform at our best.” -Michael Johnson
“Every time I fail, I assume I will be a stronger person for it. I keep on running figuratively and literally, despite a limp that gets more noticeable with each passing season, because for me there has always been a place to go and a terrible urgency to get there.” -Joan Benoit Samuelson
“Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it’s all about.” -PattiSue Plumer
“The medals don’t mean anything and the glory doesn’t last. It’s all about your happiness. The rewards are going to come, but my happiness is just loving the sport and having fun performing.” -Jackie Joyner-Kersee
“My thoughts before a big race are usually pretty simple. I tell myself: ‘Get out of the blocks, run your race, stay relaxed. If you run your race, you’ll win… channel your energy. Focus.'” -Carl Lewis
While the track and field competitors quoted above are inspiring to watch, their words are equally inspirational. Track and field athletes should take these five quotes to heart. These quotes provide valuable insight into what it takes to become a winner in track and field competitions as well as life.