Do I feel any pressure as the most decorated Winter Olympian in American history? None at all. The only pressures that I know I face are those of how to pay it forward: How can I continually make a positive impact in people's lives, help others achieve their dreams, create their own Olympic mindset, creating champions within themselves?
Interpretation
Apolo Ohno expresses that the true pressure he feels is to make a positive impact on others rather than focusing on his own achievements.
In this quote, Apolo Ohno reflects on the pressures of being highly decorated but emphasizes that his primary concern is not about his accolades. Instead, he is focused on how he can leverage his success to inspire and uplift others, helping them realize their potential and cultivate their own champions. It highlights a selfless mindset where success is measured by the impact one has on the lives of others rather than personal glory.
In practice
Using this quote in a motivational speech to encourage individuals to focus on helping others.
I never had one day that I didn't want to be on the ice, because I always had an objective for that day. I had a rigorous plan and schedule in place that I had to adhere to. It was a step-by-step process of slowly but surely inching toward the Olympic Games and using every day as a series of goals to be accomplished.
Winning does not always mean coming in first...real victory is in arriving at the finish line with no regrets because you know you've gone all out.
When I'm done skating, I guarantee you that I will not look back and remember standing on the podium. I'm going to remember these days - being with the team. Training alone, in my basement. Training when everybody else is sleeping. Doing things that nobody else is doing. Digging down. Seeing what kind of character I truly have. I love that stuff.
Hope is not a granted wish or a favor performed; no it is far greater than that. It is a zany, unpredictable dependence on a God who loves to surprise us out of our socks.
At that time, we were in charge. We didn't ask. We just did. We just did what was in our heart.
No matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
That's my mission: I really want to get in the heads and hearts of kids and persuade them that they can believe things they haven't seen, they can do things that maybe others haven't done before them, that they are more than their worst acts.
It doesn't matter who you are, or where you come from, or how much money you've got in your pocket. You have your own destiny and your own life ahead of you.
For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.
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