You have to go up there and jump high and clear whatever the bar may be. It's a competition within myself. That's how it was even before I was the best in the world, because that's the approach to every competition.
Interpretation
Striving for personal excellence is essential, regardless of external competition.
In this quote, Armand Duplantis emphasizes that the true competition lies within oneself rather than with others. He advocates for personal growth and striving to exceed one's own limits, suggesting that success is achieved by continuously challenging oneself and aiming to improve, rather than simply competing against others.
In practice
During a motivational speech at a sports camp to inspire young athletes.
That's a pretty big advantage to this journey that I've been able to have, is that I was able to start at such a young age because my father built a setup and I was able to build a technique from 3 years up to now. Without the backyard, I'm not whatever I am today. I knew that none of my classmates were pole vaulting.
If I go into years only thinking about medals I'm missing the whole meaning of what I've always been trying to do, which is trying to push myself and push the barriers of what is possible.
If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride - and never quit, you'll be a winner. The price of victory is high but so are the rewards.
Follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.
It's about doing something larger than yourself. It's about serving this world, helping others.
I don't apologize for anything. When I make a mistake, I take the blame and go on from there. I just despise to lose, and that has taken a man of mediocre ability and made a pretty good coach out of him.
The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain. When I'm inspired, I get excited because I can't wait to see what I'll come up with next. Find out who you are and do it on purpose.
I think it is possible for ordinary people to choose to be extraordinary.
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