Olympians know how to be awesome. If you are looking to become your best, hoping to get some inspiration to push yourself beyond your comfort zone, and just need some encouragement to keep going because you feel like you are about to quit, you’re going to love these 100 quotes by Olympians that are going to be the most motivating quotes you’ve read!
Whether you’re an athlete, a sports fan, or someone who has no interest in exercise in any form, but you want some advice from top performers, you’re in for a real treat!
Everyone can use some encouragement to reach their goals, and inspiring quotes help us to push harder, not throw in the towel and remind us that amazing things are possible.
Let’s get inspired by the world’s top athletes!
100 Quotes By Olympians That Will Inspire You To Be Awesome
The person attributed with the founding of the modern Olympics, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, gave us these inspirational words about the Olympics and about life:
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.
Not every Olympian wins gold, but every Olympian fights well! It’s not the result that’s the most significant reward, but the road willingly endured.
If there is one thing an Olympian must know how to do, it has gotta be how to keep fighting, to not stop, to try your best and work your hardest to reach your goals.
Let’s allow these amazing Olympians to school us in greatness on all sorts of levels!
Quotes By Olympians: Olympic Quotes On Dreams
I suppose all Olympians start with a dream! As cheesy as it might sound, before accomplishing something there has to be a will, a wish, even a faint hope that maybe something will happen!
If you are ready for some major change in your life, perhaps you should follow that dream! Here are some amazing words from Olympians who have dreamed hard!
#1 Olympian Quote
Don’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the further you get.
Michael Phelps (Swimming)
#2 Olympian Quote
Don’t ever let your memories be bigger than your dreams.
Jim Craig (Ice Hockey)
#3 Olympian Quote
Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit.
Wilma Rudolph (Track and Field)
#4 Olympian Quote
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)
#5 Olympian Quote
If you dream and allow yourself to dream, you can do anything.
Clara Hughes (Cyclist and Speed Skater)
[bctt tweet=”‘If you dream and allow yourself to dream, you can do anything.’ Clara Hughes #quotes #olympics #dream” username=”perfectplaying”]
#6 Olympian Quote
They may become harder to achieve, but your dreams can’t stop because you’ve hit a certain age or you’ve had a child.
Dara Torres (Swimming)
#7 Olympian Quote
Surround yourself with the dreamers, the doers, the believers, and thinkers; but most of all surround yourself with those who see greatness within you even when you don’t see it yourself.
Simone Biles (Gymnastics)
#8 Olympian Quote
I was 12 when I started and 34 before I achieved my dream. That should give people hope.
Kelly Holmes (Track and Field)
#9 Olympian Quote
Follow your dreams. If you have a goal, and you want to achieve it, then work hard and do everything you can to get there, and one day it will come true.
Lindsey Vonn (Skiing)
#10 Olympian Quote
We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.
Jesse Owens (Track and Field)
Olympic Dreams Resource:
Dream Team: How Michael, Magic, Larry, Charles, and the Greatest Team of All Time Conquered the World and Changed the Game of Basketball Forever
Quotes By Olympians: Olympic Quotes On Preparation
Winning in all sorts of areas of life starts with proper preparation. If you want to achieve great accomplishments, preparation in the form of study, commitment, practice, and sacrifice will help pave the way to a victory.
Let’s get some wisdom from the masters of preparation!
#11 Olympian Quote
The key is not the will to win. Everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important.
Bob Knight (Basketball)
#12 Olympian Quote
If you fail to prepare, you’re prepared to fail.
Mark Spitz (Swimming)
#13 Olympian Quote
I can’t remember the last day I didn’t train.
Michael Phelps (Swimming)
#14 Olympian Quote
It’s all about the journey, not the outcome.
Carl Lewis (Track and Field)
#15 Olympian Quote
Don’t practice till you get it right, practice till you can’t get it wrong.
McKayla Maroney (Gymnastics)
[bctt tweet=”‘Don’t practice till you get it right, practice till you can’t get it wrong.’ McKayla Maroney #quotes #olympians #inspiringwords” username=”perfectplaying”]
#16 Olympian Quote
I take things one step at a time.
Simone Biles (Gymnastics)
#17 Olympian Quote
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)
#18 Olympian Quote
For me, I’m focused on what I want to do. I know what I need to do to be a champion, so I’m working on it.
Usain Bolt (Track and Field)
#19 Olympian Quote
If you don’t practice, you don’t deserve to win.
Andre Agassi (Tennis)
#20 Olympian Quote
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)
Olympic Preparation Resource:
Let Your Mind Run: A Memoir of Thinking My Way to Victory
Quotes By Olympians: Olympic Quotes On Hope
Hope can keep you going when times are tough and when you have hope you can achieve things you never knew were possible.
Here are some hopeful words from Olympians who kept their hopes alive for years!
#21 Olympian Quote
Remember all things are possible for those who believe.
Gail Devers (Track and Field)
#22 Olympian Quote
Only the strongest shoulders can carry the hopes of a nation.
Katie Taylor (Boxing)
#23 Olympian Quote
Peace is knowing that I did everything I possibly could have done, that something beautiful will come out of this and that I will come back stronger than before.
#24 Olympian Quote
The potential for greatness lives within each of us.
Wilma Rudolph (Track and Field)
#25 Olympian Quote
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)
#26 Olympian Quote
You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.
Michael Jordan (Basketball)
[bctt tweet=”‘You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.’ Michael Jordan #hope #inspiringquotes” username=”perfectplaying”]
#27 Olympian Quote
When anyone tells me I can’t do anything, I’m just not listening anymore.
Griffith Joyner (Track and Field)
#28 Olympian Quote
‘Breathe, believe, and battle.’ My former coach, Troy Tanner, told us that before each match. Breathe–be in the moment. Believe–have faith that you can rise above it. Battle–you gotta be prepared to go for as long as it takes.
Kerri Walsh (Volleyball)
#29 Olympian Quote
The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination.
Tommy Lasorda (Baseball)
#30 Olympian Quote
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)
Olympic Hope Resource:
Solo: A Memoir of Hope
Quotes By Olympians: Olympic Quotes On Courage
Dreams can be easy to acquire, preparation can be ingrained in us from school days, and hope can be fueled in us by others when we can’t find it ourselves, but courage, courage can be a hard one.
It takes courage to start, courage to keep going, and courage to not quit when it feels like all is lost. Courage can be super tricky to create in our most fearful of moments so let’s see what the masters of courage have to tell us about being courageous even at the scariest of times.
#31 Olympian Quote
He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.
Muhammad Ali (Boxing)
#32 Olympian Quote
You have to do something in your life that is honorable and not cowardly if you are to live in peace with yourself.
Larry Brown (Basketball)
#33 Olympian Quote
I don’t think you’re human if you don’t get nervous.
Sidney Crosby (Ice Hockey)
#34 Olympian Quote
I don’t run away from a challenge because I am afraid. Instead, I run toward it because the only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your feet.
Nadia Comaneci (Gymnastics)
#35 Olympian Quote
The only way to overcome is to hang in.
Dan O’Brien (Decathlon)
[bctt tweet=”‘The only way to overcome is to hang in.’ Dan O’Brien #courage #goals #youcandoit #keepgoing” username=”perfectplaying”]
#36 Olympian Quote
This ability to conquer oneself is no doubt the most precious of all things sports bestows.
Olga Korbut (Gymnastics)
#37 Olympian Quote
Ingenuity plus courage plus work equals miracles.
Bob Richards (Pole Vaulting)
#38 Olympian Quote
We have the can-do factor, and us doing what we do I think inspires people to just try that little bit harder, whether they are able-bodied or disabled.
Lee Pearson (Para-Equestrian)
#39 Olympian Quote
I’d rather regret the risks that didn’t work out than the chances I didn’t take at all.
Simone Biles (Gymnastics)
#40 Olympian Quote
To uncover your true potential you must first find your own limits, and then you have to have the courage to blow past them.
Picabo Street (Skiing)
Olympic Courage Resource:
Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance
Quotes By Olympians: Olympic Quotes On Giving Your All
Olympians know how to give their all; they are masters at conquering complacency and are champions of 100% effort.
If you’re feeling a little weak in your efforts, check out these motivating quotes from Olympians who know how to give their all!
#41 Olympian Quote
To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.
Steve Prefontaine (Running)
#42 Olympian Quote
I’ve made a promise to myself to be a 100% healthy person if nothing else.
Picabo Street (Skiing)
#43 Olympian Quote
I always want to give more than I gave yesterday.
Allyson Felix (Track and Field)
#44 Olympian Quote
The hard days are the best because that’s when champions are made.
Gabby Douglas (Gymnastics)
#45 Olympian Quote
Victory is in having done your best. If you’ve done your best, you’ve won.
Bill Bowerman (Track and Field)
[bctt tweet=”‘Victory is in having done your best. If you’ve done your best, you’ve won.’ Bill Bowerman #victory #win #quotes” username=”perfectplaying”]
#46 Olympian Quote
Winning does not always mean coming in first… real victory is in arriving at the finish line with no regrets because you know you’ve gone all out.
#47 Olympian Quote
Failure I can live with. Not trying is what I can’t handle!
Sanya Richards-Ross (Track and Field)
#48 Olympian Quote
Taking a few breaths and knowing that it won’t last forever really allows me to focus on the present moment and task at hand.
Betsey Armstrong (Water Polo)
#49 Olympian Quote
If you think you’re done, you always have at least 40 percent more.
Lauren Crandall (Field Hockey)
#50 Olympian Quote
I didn’t set out to beat the world; I just set out to do my absolute best.
Al Oerter (Track and Field)
Olympic Giving Your All Resource:
Olympic Weightlifting: A Complete Guide for Athletes & Coaches
Quotes By Olympians: Olympic Quotes On Confidence
Sometimes the biggest difference between someone who accomplishes their goals and someone who abandons them is the big “C”: Confidence.
Get a dose of confidence from the people who know how to believe in themselves even when others don’t.
#51 Olympian Quote
If you don’t have confidence, you’ll always find a way not to win.
Carl Lewis (Track and Field)
#52 Olympian Quote
You have to believe in yourself when no one else does — that makes you a winner right there.
Venus Williams (Tennis)
#53 Olympian Quote
The things you learn from sports – setting goals, being part of a team, confidence – that’s invaluable. It’s not about trophies and ribbons. It’s about being on time for practice, accepting challenges and being fearful of the elements.
Summer Sanders (Swimming)
#54 Olympian Quote
It’s lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believed in myself.
Muhammad Ali (Boxing)
#55 Olympian Quote
Steady, ready, poised, winning.
Arielle Martin (BMX Supercross)
#56 Olympian Quote
Practice creates confidence. Confidence empowers you.
Simone Biles (Gymnastics)
[bctt tweet=”‘Practice creates confidence. Confidence empowers you.’ Simone Biles #confidence #practice #quotes #simonebiles” username=”perfectplaying”]
#57 Olympian Quote
Nobody needs to prove to anybody what they’re worthy of, just the person that they look at in the mirror. That’s the only person you need to answer to.
Picabo Street (Skiing)
#58 Olympian Quote
I always tell myself, ‘Keep on fighting.’ I wasn’t always a good diver—I had to work my way up to where I am now. If I had given up, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today. I would have so many regrets.
Christina Loukas (Diving)
#59 Olympian Quote
I’m not naturally the most confident athlete. But if my coaches tell me that I can run a certain time, I believe it with no question. Then that’s it, that’s decided, that’s what I’m going to run.
Emma Coburn (Track and Field)
#60 Olympian Quote
You just have to be yourself and go full with confidence and be courageous.
Gabby Douglas (Gymnastics)
Olympic Confidence Resource:
Mind Gym: An Athlete’s Guide to Inner Excellence
Quotes By Olympians: Olympic Quotes On Working Hard
Sure talent plays a part, but hard work tends to triumph over all. No matter what naturally comes to you, work as hard as you can and be amazed at the results!
Here’s an inside peek into the value of hard work according to Olympians.
#61 Olympian Quote
Nothing can substitute for just plain hard work.
Andre Agassi (Tennis)
#67 Olympian Quote
Girls playing sports is not about winning gold medals. It’s about self-esteem, learning to compete and learning how hard you have to work in order to achieve your goals.
Jackie Joyner-Kersee (Track and Field)
#68 Olympian Quote
True heroes are made of hard work and integrity.
Hope Solo (Soccer)
[bctt tweet=”‘True heroes are made of hard work and integrity.’ Hope Solo #olympics #hardwork #quotes #heros” username=”perfectplaying”]
#69 Olympian Quote
We all naturally want to become successful… we also want to take shortcuts. And it’s easy to do so, but you can never take away the effort of hard work and discipline and sacrifice.
#70 Olympian Quote
I know I’m a good and honest person and if I put hard work in I would be able to reach my goals.
Sarah Robles (Weightlifting)
Olympic Hard Work Resource:
Finish First: Winning Changes Everything
Quotes By Olympians: Olympic Quotes On Not Giving Up
Days, weeks, months, years, and decades of aiming for something takes a lot of willpower. Olympians know how to not stop, something that is incredibly difficult to do.
If you are on the verge of quitting, read these fantastic quotes by Olympians for some severe steadfastness!
#71 Olympian Quote
Gold medals aren’t really made of gold. They’re made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts.
Dan Gable (Wrestling)
#72 Olympian Quote
Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.
Muhammad Ali (Boxing)
#73 Olympian Quote
Failure happens all the time. It happens every day in practice. What makes you better is how you react to it.
Mia Hamm (Soccer)
#74 Olympian Quote
My message is to never quit, never give up. When you have a little trouble here and there, just keep fighting. In the end, it will pay off.
Gabby Douglas (Gymnastics)
#75 Olympian Quote
Whatever brings you down will eventually make you stronger.
Alex Morgan (Soccer)
[bctt tweet=”‘Whatever brings you down will eventually make you stronger.’ Alex Morgan #quotes #strong #youcandoit” username=”perfectplaying”]
#76 Olympian Quote
Pain, tolerance, endurance—when it comes to that point, there’s always something left. You just have to find it.
Ryan Lochte (Swimming)
#77 Olympian Quote
Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.
Michael Jordan (Basketball)
#78 Olympian Quote
Rather than focusing on the obstacle in your path, focus on the bridge over the obstacle.
Mary Lou Retton (Gymnastics)
#79 Olympian Quote
Falling in life is inevitable – staying down is optional.
Carrie Johnson (Kayaking)
#80 Olympian Quote
One word: ‘Fight.’ Anyone can do it when it feels good. When you’re hurting, that’s when it makes a difference, so you have to keep fighting.
Erin Cafaro (Rowing)
Olympic Not Giving Up Resource:
Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable
Quotes By Olympians: Olympic Quotes On Heart
Just as a person needs their physical heart to keep beating strong for them to have life in their body, heart in terms of passion, love, and loyalty keeps a person alive in the game.
Don’t lose heart! Here’s some wisdom on the heart of it all when it comes to success!
#81 Olympian Quote
The first thing is to love your sport. Never do it to please someone else. It has to be yours.
Peggy Fleming (Figure Skating)
#82 Olympian Quote
I think the way to become the best is to just have fun.
Shaun White (Snowboarding)
#83 Olympian Quote
Follow your heart.
Dorothy Hamill (Figure Skating)
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#84 Olympian Quote
A lot of heart is the key to success.
#85 Olympian Quote
A trophy carries dust. Memories last forever.
Mary Lou Retton (Gymnastics)
[bctt tweet=”‘A trophy carries dust. Memories last forever.’ Mary Lou Retton #quotes #inspiration #inspiringquotes” username=”perfectplaying”]
#86 Olympian Quote
When I was younger, Jackie Joyner-Kersee was a mentor to me and gave me great advice. The best was to ‘work 100 percent, but enjoy every moment along the way.’ Sometimes you get so in the zone; you forget to enjoy your passions. I love running – but I also love the movies, relaxing on the beach, shopping and spending time with my friends. Enjoying my life helps me enjoy my running.
Allyson Felix (Track and Field)
#87 Olympian Quote
Acknowledge your small victories. They will eventually add up to something great.
Kara Goucher (Running)
#88 Olympian Quote
You miss 100 percent of all the shots you never take.
Wayne Gretzky (Ice Hockey)
#89 Olympian Quote
You can’t put a limit on anything.
Michael Phelps (Swimming)
#90 Olympian Quote
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 (Volleyball)
Olympic Heart Resource:
I Am Bolt
Quotes By Olympians: Olympic Quotes on Greatness
If Olympians are any one thing, they are great! Average is common, greatness is rare.
Sure we all might have some greatness resting dormant deep inside us, but we want that greatness to come out in full force, and we want to go full on just like gold winners do!
Let’s get some advice on how to go from good to great!
Woohoo! How inspirational were all those Olympic quotes?!
Quotes are always amazing! Quotes of all sorts from dog quotes to healthy quotes can help us live our best lives and have fun in the process! Olympic quotes for sure are here to drive us to success in all ways imaginable and even in ways not yet fathomable!
If you are reaching for a dream, trying to accomplish a goal, or are hanging on just barely and need some words to help you carry on, these quotes by Olympians are like medicine for the soul!
Whatever goal you have, dream you’re working on, and hope you have hidden in your heart, take a quote from an Olympian and memorize it, write it on the mirror, and repeat it over and over so you can remember to focus on what you want to focus on and ignore all the distractions that might prevent you from being all you can be.
Cheers to Olympians, hooray for all the inspiration that The Olympics brings, and congrats on all the ways you’re going to be awesome just like an Olympic champion!
Loving these Olympic quotes? *Pin* this post for later when you need some motivating quotes from Olympians! If you want more inspiring quotes, follow Playing Perfect’s Pinterest Page!
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