If I bring back only one gold people are going to say it's a disappointment. But not too many of them own an Olympic gold medal so if I get one I'm going to be happy.
Interpretation
Achieving a significant goal is often undervalued by others, yet personal satisfaction comes from the accomplishment itself.
In this quote, Michael Phelps highlights the importance of personal achievement over public perception. He suggests that while society may set high expectations, the true significance lies in the joy and pride one feels upon achieving a milestone, such as winning an Olympic gold medal, regardless of others' opinions. Phelps emphasizes that not everyone has the chance to earn such accolades, and thus, the value of the experience should not be diminished by external judgments.
In practice
This quote can be used to inspire athletes and competitors at sports events.
I want to be able to look back and say, 'I've done everything I can, and I was successful.' I don't want to look back and say I should have done this or that. I'd like to change things for the younger generation of swimmers coming along.
For so long, I looked at myself as literally a kid who was talented who would go up and down the pool. That's it. Nothing else. Very few people knew who I really was.
I don't want to be the next Mark Spitz; I want to be the first Michael Phelps
There are too many kids who are drowning for lack of water safety. That's something I'd like to do. Teaching kids to live an active lifestyle.
My goal is one Olympic gold medal. Not many people in this world can say, 'I'm an Olympic gold medalist.'
I know it won't be eight medals again. If you want to compare me to that, that's your decision, not mine. I'm going out there to try to accomplish the things that I have in my mind and in my heart.
Achievement is talent plus preparation
Whatever help we may want from the international community now or in the future, we want to make sure that this help is tailored to help our people to help themselves.
Before everything else, getting ready is the secret of success.
When it comes to fundraising for a social enterprise, if you are pursuing your true passion, you'll learn to become great at your craft because you'll care so much about perfecting the skills necessary to make that dream a reality.
I was sixty-six years old. I still had to make a living. I looked at my social security check of 105 dollars and decided to use that to try to franchise my chicken recipe. Folks had always liked my chicken.
Every business is successful exactly to the extent that it does something others cannot.
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