Be inspired by messages from Olympians past

As we anticipate the upcoming Paris Summer Olympic Games in 2024, this is a perfect time to be inspired by the words of past Olympians. Here are twenty messages to live by.

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. Pierre de Coubertin, father of the modern Olympic Games

Never quit. Never give up. Gabby Douglas, gymnast, Olympic Gold Medalist

I am building a fire, and every day I train, I add more fuel. At just the right moment, I light the match. Mia Hamm, soccer player, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist

If you fail to prepare, you’ve prepared to fail. Mark Spitz, swimmer, nine-time Gold Olympic medalist

Passion is a huge prerequisite to winning. It makes you willing to jump through hoops, go through all the ups and downs, and everything in between to reach your goal. Kerri Walsh, beach volleyball player, three-time Olympic Gold Medalist

He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life. Muhammed Ali, boxer, Olympic Gold Medalist

There is no substitute for work. There are no shortcuts. There are no secrets. Al Oerter, discus throw, four-time Olympic Gold Medalist

Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us. Wilma Rudolph, track and field, three-time Olympic Gold Medalist

Failure I can live with. Not trying is what I can’t handle! Sanya Richards Ross, track and field athlete, four-time Olympic Gold Medalist

It’s all about the journey, not the outcome. Carl Lewis, track and field, nine-time Olympic Gold Medalist

We all have dreams, but to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort. Jesse Owens, track and field, four-time Olympic Gold Medalist

The ones who are successful are the ones who really want it. You have to have that inner drive; otherwise, it’s not going to work out. Kerri Strug, gymnast, Olympic Gold Medalist

Every day I turned a ‘you can’t’ into a ‘you can.‘ Rulon Gardner, wrestling, Olympic Gold Medalist

It doesn’t matter what your background is or where you come from, if you have dreams and goals, that’s all that matters. Serena Williams, tennis, four-time Olympic Gold Medalist

Don’t sacrifice what you want most for what you want now. Write down what you want most and see it often. Peter Vidmar, gymnast, three-time Olympic Gold Medalist

Don’t practice till you get it right; practice till you can’t get it wrong. McKayla Maroney, gymnastics, Olympic Gold medalist

In the sports arena, I would say there is nothing like training and preparation. You have to train your mind as much as your body. Venus Williams, tennis, four-time Olympic Gold Medalist

Remember, all things are possible for those who believe. Gail Devers, track and field, Olympic Gold Medalist

Worrying gets you nowhere. If you turn up worrying about how you’re going to perform, you’ve already lost. Train hard, turn up, run your best, and the rest will take care of itself. Usain Bolt, track and field, eight-time Olympic Gold Medalist

Each of us has a fire in our hearts for something. It’s our goal in life to find it and keep it lit. Mary Lou Retton, gymnastics, Olympic Gold Medalist

By Reed Markham, member of the Olympic News Service