The AAU doesn't care about the athletes; why should I care about them?
Interpretation
The quote expresses a disillusionment with organizations that prioritize their own interests over the well-being of athletes.
Steve Prefontaine's quote reflects a sentiment of frustration and betrayal towards the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union), suggesting that if the organization, which is supposed to support athletes, is indifferent to their needs, then there's little reason for athletes to feel loyalty or care towards such an organization. Prefontaine, known for his competitive spirit and outspoken nature, emphasizes the essential human connection and support that should exist between athletic organizations and their athletes, questioning the values of those who lead them.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech advocating for athlete rights.
How does a kid from Coos Bay, with one leg longer than the other win races? All my life people have been telling me, 'You're too small Pre', 'You're not fast enough Pre', 'Give up your foolish dream Steve'. But they forgot something, I HAVE TO WIN.
The best pace is a suicide pace, and today looks like a good day to die.
Some people create with words or with music or with a brush and paints. I like to make something beautiful when I run. I like to make people stop and say, 'I've never seen anyone run like that before.' It's more than just a race, it's a style. It's doing something better than anyone else. It's being creative.
This is my last year at Oregon, and it means a lot to me. The people have been great to me up there, so if I have to run three races to win the Pac-8 title, I'll do it. Oh, sure, I'll probably be tired, but the people shouting will carry me across the finish line.
World records at 19. I don't want that. Later, yes. And when it comes, I'll learn to live with it, but it won't be my first love.
I'm the one who has made all the sacrifices. Those are my American records, not the country's.
I think permitting the game to become too physical takes away a little bit of the beauty.
We need the quarterbacks. It's a passing league and a quarterback-driven league. We need the Peyton Mannings in football uniforms out there playing - the Tom Bradys, the Drew Breeses, the Philip Riverses - we need those guys instead of them standing on the sideline.
A big part of managing a golf course is managing your swing on the course. A lot of guys can go out and hit a golf ball, but they have no idea how to manage what they do with the ball. I've won as many golf tournaments hitting the ball badly as I have hitting the ball well.
We should play free football, defend lively with a passion, and have the best understanding in offence.
I didn't realize until I was doing commentary what a gladiator-like competition tennis is - other than no one dies. The crowd is waiting for the players to come, and they walk through the tunnel, and they get on the court, and they get out their rackets, their weapons, and now they start.
I quit because I didnt feel like the Detroit Lions had a chance to win. It just killed my enjoyment of the game.
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