Inspirational Quotes from Olympians

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What personal mantra or saying helps get you through a challenging time?

Falling in life is inevitable—staying down is optional.
—Carrie Johnson, two-time Olympic kayaker

Breathe, believe and battle. My former coach, Troy Tanner, told us that before each match. Breathe—reminds you to be in the moment. Believe—have have faith that you can rise above it. Battle—you gotta be prepared to go for as long as it takes.
—Kerri Walsh, two-time beach volleyball Olympic gold medalist

“If you think you can’t, you wont, and if you think you can, you will.” When I’m tired at practice, I tell myself that I’m not tired and I can push through it. If you tell yourself you’re tired or if you tell yourself you’re sick, your body is going to follow the mind.
—Kellie Wells, 2011 USA indoor and outdoor 100m hurdles champion

Keep Calm and Carry On. A challenging time is just that—a period in time. Taking a few deep breaths and knowing that it won’t last forever really allows me to focus on the present moment and task at hand.
—Betsey Armstrong, 2008 water polo Olympic silver medalist and goalkeeper for 2012 US Women’s Olympic Water Polo Team

My dad would tell me to play for those who couldn’t play. Play for physical disability. So my motivation is for people who struggle in life daily.
—Misty May-Treanor, two-time beach volleyball Olympic gold medalist

My brother was an elite special forces guy, so I think if he can do it, I can too.
—Georgia Gould, professional mountain biker Team Luna CHIX and first-time Olympian

It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.
—Missy Franklin, three-time medalist at 2011 FINA World Championships and first-time Olympian

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
—McKayla Maroney, two-time gold medalist at 2011 World Gymnastics Championship (team and vault)

I think it’s important to keep mantras fresh (sometimes the same verse can get stale). That being said, I love this powerful statement: “Define yourself.” I rehearsed it a million times during the 2005 Chicago Marathon [her first win].
—Deena Kastor, 2004 Olympic marathon bronze medalist

I always tell myself to "man up." Growing up beside my brother [2008 Olympic silver medalist Zach Railey] I was never allowed to whine. He wouldn't let me then, so I don't let myself now.
—Paige Railey, four-time sailing world champion and first-time Olympian

Steady, ready, poised, winning.
—Arielle Martin, 2011 BMX Supercross World Cup Champion and first-time Olympian

“This to shall pass” and “All you can do is your best.” This has been a tough year of injuries for me I’ve been saying these a lot! (Search: Can I treat sports injuries on my own?)
—Sue Francia, 2008 rowing gold medalist in the women’s eight

I always tell myself to keep on fighting. I wasn’t always a good diver—I had to work my way up to where I am now. If I had given up I wouldn’t be in the position I am today and I would have so many regrets.
—Christina Loukas, nine-time national diving champion and first-time Olympian

My competition isn’t resting!
—Kim Rhode, five-time Olympic shooter

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
—Jessica Long, nine-time Paralympic swimming medalist

I ask myself if I can go any harder. Are you hurting enough? Are you going hard enough? I keep asking myself: Can you go any harder?
—Kristin Armstrong, 2008 road cycling Olympic gold medalist in women’s time trial

Everything is going to work out—there’s no other option.
—Kari Miller, 2008 Paralympic sitting volleyball silver medalist

“If you’re not having fun, then what the hell are you doing?” It reminds me to find the reason why I’m doing it and why I’m out there, which makes things more manageable when I’m stressed and fatigued.
—Allison Jones, six-time Paralympian (has competed in both the summer and winter games)

If you think you’re done, you always have at least 40 percent more.
—Lauren Crandall, captain of the 2012 US Olympic field hockey team