The life of an athlete is all about competition, and it can be difficult to understand the mental and physical struggles they deal with. It’s a long journey to the Olympics, one that involves hours of training – often every day.
Whether on a gymnastics mat or in a pool, these Olympians have enough experience to give words of wisdom that motivate us all. With the 2024 Olympics in full swing, here are some of the most inspiring quotes from five athletes competing this year:
“If you’re having fun, that’s when the best memories are built.”
Simone Biles, US
In an interview with Refinery 29 in 2016, gymnastics superstar Simone Biles offered this advice to fans inspired by her: “If it’s not your decision, you’re not having fun”, adding how fun builds the best memories. This quote highlights her belief that approaching a difficult task from the angle of enjoyment will mitigate the stress and allow you to create lasting memories you can cherish for years. As someone with a long journey in health and growth, Biles, now 27, has always emphasised the need for enjoyment and calm during the journey to success.
“It’s not about being the best. It’s about being better than you were yesterday.”
Florent Manaudou, France
The French swimmer and Olympic champion beautifully encapsulates the spirit of self-improvement and personal growth through this quote. The 33-year-old athlete, who won gold in 2012 and has since won three more silver medals, shows that when trying to achieve a goal, it is not about how you compare to other people; the important thing is how much you evolved as a person in the process. This perspective reminds everyone that no matter how many people you are competing with, your main competition is yourself.
6 Hong Kong athletes debuting at the 2024 Games
“I’m not back. I’m better.”
Sha’Carri Richardson, US
This elite American runner faced numerous mental health struggles after the death of her mother in 2021. But then, at the Track and Field World Championships in 2023, Richardson ran a 10.65 100-meter race, and according to USA Today, her official time was the fastest on record in the history of the race at the event. It was then that she gave her famous quote, adding that she wasn’t referring only to her ability as a runner but that she was a better version of herself. This statement reflects her growth and her determination to deal with difficult moments. “Now … I’m ready, mentally, physically and emotionally,” she noted.
“Summer, winter or rain; nothing should come in between your aim.”
Neeraj Chopra, India
The 26-year-old Indian javelin champion posted this powerful analogy on X, formerly known as Twitter, in February 2021 to showcase the importance of ambition. His words convey how nothing, not even the weather, could get in the way of his quest for success and how others shouldn’t allow distractions to stop them from achieving their goals. His quote, coupled with his arduous training journey towards the Olympics, shows that hard work transcends any obstacles when combined with determination.
“I play each point like my life depends on it.”
Rafael Nadal, Spain
Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal is one of the most celebrated athletes in sports history due to his passion and performance. In this statement, the 38-year-old player exhibits his commitment to the game and encourages others to do the same. Whether on a tennis court or simply going about your day, dedication is important, as this will bring you closer to success. When combining Nadal’s powerful statement with his achievements, we can see that extraordinary results can be achieved with the right amount of effort.
