As we reach the mid-point in the 2024 Paris Games, here are some quotes to let us better understand how the athletes think.
“The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well,” said Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games, setting the tone for today's Olympics. Also, as Bob Knight (USA men’s basketball coach, Olympic gold medalist) memorably said: “The key is not the will to win. Everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important.”
So, what do the actual athletes say about the Games and training for them? Here's a handful of their heartfelt comments...
“A lifetime of training for just ten seconds.” Jesse Owens (USA Track & Field, 4-time Olympic gold medalist).
“I love the Olympic Games. The Olympics are an event that few can fathom but all can enjoy, and that’s why athletes work our whole lives to put on the greatest show on Earth.” Johnny Weir (USA Figure skating, 2-time Olympian).
“The stopwatch doesn’t lie. The tape measure doesn’t lie.” Daley Thompson (Great Britain Track & Field, 2-time Olympic gold medalist).
“I touched the wall and all my dreams, hopes and ambitions basically coalesced into one moment.” Duncan Armstrong (Australian swimming, Olympic gold medalist).
“If you fail to prepare, you’ve prepared to fail.” Mark Spitz (USA Swimming, 9-time Olympic medalist).
“You feel the Olympics and you get chills and nervous and a little scared. You go through the emotional roller coaster at what it’s like to compete at the Olympic level and you let that run through your whole body.” Bode Miller (USA Alpine Skiing, 6-time Olympic medalist).
“The Olympics are a completely different beast. It’s the most magical moment of your career.” Hilary Knight (USA Hockey, 3-time Olympic medalist).
“I was 12 when I started and 34 before I achieved my dream, that should give people hope.” Kelly Holmes (Great Britain Track & Field, 2-time Olympic gold medalist).
“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” Muhammad Ali (USA boxing, Olympic gold medalist).
"All I've done is run fast. I don't see why people should make much fuss about that." Fanny Blankers-Koen "the flying housewife" (Netherlands Track & Field, 4-time Olympic gold medalist).
And, to round things off, here's what Aristotle said about the ancient Games: “Just as at the Olympic games it is not the handsomest or strongest men who are crowned with victory but the successful competitors, so in life it is those who act rightly who carry off all the prizes and rewards.”
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