My goal is one Olympic gold medal. Not many people in this world can say, 'I'm an Olympic gold medalist.'
Interpretation
Michael Phelps emphasizes the uniqueness and value of achieving an Olympic gold medal.
In this quote, Michael Phelps reflects on the significance of his goal to win an Olympic gold medal, highlighting that it is a rare and prestigious achievement that few individuals can claim. He underscores the dedication and hard work required to reach such a level of excellence in sports, suggesting that the journey toward achieving such goals is what makes it meaningful.
In practice
During a motivational speech about setting ambitious goals.
I want to be able to look back and say, 'I've done everything I can, and I was successful.' I don't want to look back and say I should have done this or that. I'd like to change things for the younger generation of swimmers coming along.
For so long, I looked at myself as literally a kid who was talented who would go up and down the pool. That's it. Nothing else. Very few people knew who I really was.
I don't want to be the next Mark Spitz; I want to be the first Michael Phelps
There are too many kids who are drowning for lack of water safety. That's something I'd like to do. Teaching kids to live an active lifestyle.
I know it won't be eight medals again. If you want to compare me to that, that's your decision, not mine. I'm going out there to try to accomplish the things that I have in my mind and in my heart.
I learned how fast you can go from being an international hero to being a reference in a joke on a late night talk show.
I want the last cheque I write to bounce.
Many successful people have found opportunities in failure and adversity that they could not recognize in more favorable circumstances.
As for accomplishments, I just did what I had to do as things came along.
At 14, you think you compete, you retire and you get a job. I didn't think gymnastics was a career that was going to change my life.
I sometimes think that the only person fit to inherit wealth is the person who doesn't need an inheritance - the person who would create his own fortune no matter what his start in life - and have come to view inherited wealth as an affliction.
Define success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you're proud to live.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.