Men, today we die a little.

One day the factory sports coach, who was very strict, pointed at four boys, including me, and ordered us to run in a race. I protested that I was weak and not fit to run, but the coach sent me for a physical examination and the doctor said that I was perfectly well. So I had to run, and when I got started I felt I wanted to win. But I only came in second. That was the way it started.

An athlete cannot run with money in his pockets. He must run with hope in his heart and dreams in his head.

Is it raining? That doesn't matter. Am I tired? That doesn't matter, either. Then willpower will be no problem.

Men, today we die a little.

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

By a persistent effort of will it is possible to change the whole body. The athlete must always keep in mind this concept of change and progression. He must never accept his limitations as being permanent, because they are not.