The AAU doesn't care about the athletes; why should I care about them?
Interpretation
The quote expresses a disillusionment with organizations that prioritize their own interests over the well-being of athletes.
Steve Prefontaine's quote reflects a sentiment of frustration and betrayal towards the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union), suggesting that if the organization, which is supposed to support athletes, is indifferent to their needs, then there's little reason for athletes to feel loyalty or care towards such an organization. Prefontaine, known for his competitive spirit and outspoken nature, emphasizes the essential human connection and support that should exist between athletic organizations and their athletes, questioning the values of those who lead them.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech advocating for athlete rights.
How does a kid from Coos Bay, with one leg longer than the other win races? All my life people have been telling me, 'You're too small Pre', 'You're not fast enough Pre', 'Give up your foolish dream Steve'. But they forgot something, I HAVE TO WIN.
The best pace is a suicide pace, and today looks like a good day to die.
Some people create with words or with music or with a brush and paints. I like to make something beautiful when I run. I like to make people stop and say, 'I've never seen anyone run like that before.' It's more than just a race, it's a style. It's doing something better than anyone else. It's being creative.
This is my last year at Oregon, and it means a lot to me. The people have been great to me up there, so if I have to run three races to win the Pac-8 title, I'll do it. Oh, sure, I'll probably be tired, but the people shouting will carry me across the finish line.
World records at 19. I don't want that. Later, yes. And when it comes, I'll learn to live with it, but it won't be my first love.
I'm the one who has made all the sacrifices. Those are my American records, not the country's.
Sometimes in football you have to hold your hand up and say, yeah, they're better than us.
I always threw the ball in, because then if I got the ball back, I was the only player unmarked.
The best umpired game is the game in which the fans cannot recall the umpires who worked it.
When I wear the national team shirt, its sole contact with my skin makes it stand on an end.
Rugby is a hooligans game played by gentlemen.
I'm persuaded that sports is the one place where the rules are pretty well set out, where fans are equal. And if you got game or you're a good official, you make it here, whether you're white or you're black.
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