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.
I never set out to be a businessman
My parents started a business out of the living room of our home and, 30-plus years later, it was a multimillion dollar company. So, President Obama, with all due respect, don't tell me that my parents didn't build their business.
Sometimes my mistake has been hesitancy about acting on the decisions I've made. When's the best time to invest? It's today, not tomorrow.
I think a simple rule of business is, if you do the things that are easier first, then you can actually make a lot of progress.
The individual who can do something that the world wants done will, in the end, make his way regardless of his race.
Once you can accept failure, you can have fun and success.
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