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.
Pressure is working down the pit. Pressure is having no work at all. Pressure is trying to escape relegation on 50 shillings a week. Pressure is not the European Cup or the Championship or the Cup Final. That's the reward.
Tennis is a psychological sport, you have to keep a clear head. That is why I stopped playing.
We all understand football is entertainment. And people like high-scoring games. But you still have to play defense to win championships.
I am a sportsman and not a politician. I am a sportsman and will always remain one. I am not going to enter politics giving up cricket, which is my life. I will continue to play cricket.
Players lose you games, not tactics. There's so much crap talked about tactics by people who barely know how to win at dominoes.
My generation put in a lot more hours playing football after school than kids today. These days, all the football these kids play, they play at their clubs, so the clubs need to work seriously on the basic skills.
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