There is something about the ritual of the race - putting on the number, lining up, being timed - that brings out the best in us.
Grete WaitzRead
For every finish-line tape a runner breaks -- complete with the cheers of the crowd and the clicking of hundreds of cameras -- there are the hours of hard and often lonely work that rarely gets talked about.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Success is achieved through hard work and dedication, often unseen by the public.
This quote emphasizes that while the celebration of success, like breaking a finish-line tape, is visible and often celebrated, the true effort that leads to such achievements is usually hidden. It highlights the importance of perseverance, dedication, and the solitary effort that goes into achieving one's goals, which is often overlooked in favor of the more glamorous moments of success.
Themes
SuccessHard WorkDedicationMotivationPerseverance
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech aimed at athletes, to emphasize the importance of their training.
More from Grete Waitz
All quotes →Running gives me a clearer perspective on the world, and it makes me feel special. I've never been a traditional tourist. I've always seen the world by running, and that has allowed me to view things in a different way. Places look different in the early-morning hours, when the streets are deserted.
Grete WaitzRead
When I came to New York in 1978, I was a full-time school teacher and track runner, and determined to retire from competitive running. But winning the New York City Marathon kept me running for another decade.
Grete WaitzRead
Similar quotes
You remember the [remarks] you made in 1994 about, 'I think I can guard you, I can shut you down, I would love to play against you?' Well, you're about to get your chance.
Michael JordanRead
I couldn't control Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Tom Watson or Lee Trevino. The only person I could control was me. The only person I could prepare for events was me. And if I didn't play well, I didn't play well, and I wasn't going to compete.
Jack NicklausRead
Do not quit! Hundreds of times I have watched people throw in the towel at the one-yard line while someone else comes along and makes a fortune by just going that extra yard.
E. Joseph CossmanRead
I realized, if I don't step into the spotlight, and the person next to me doesn't step in, and the people around me don't step in, then who will?
Simu LiuRead
If you give up on the idea that your voice can make a difference, then other voices will fill the void
Barack ObamaRead
The slave has but one master, the ambitious man has as many as there are persons whose aid may contribute to the advancement of his fortunes.
Jean De La BruyereRead