When I was young, I was too slow. I thought I must learn to run fast by practicing to run fast, so I ran 100 meters fast 20 times. Then I came back, slow,slow,slow. People said, 'Emil, you are crazy. You are training like a sprinter.'

It's at the borders of pain and suffering that the men are separated from the boys.

There is a great advantage in training under unfavorable conditions. It is better to train under bad conditions, for the difference is then a tremendous relief in a race.

Men, today we die a little.

If I can get better, why not?

I was not talented enough to run and smile at the same time

It is not necessary to smile and make a wonderful impression on the judges.