Ever since that day when I was 11 years old, and I wasn't allowed in a photo because I wasn't wearing a tennis skirt, I knew that I wanted to change the sport.
Billie Jean KingRead
You have got to want to be the best before you can even begin to reach for that goal, and you have got to be prepared to sacrifice a lot to get there.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Desire and sacrifice are essential for achieving excellence.
This quote by Billie Jean King emphasizes the importance of having a strong desire to be the best in order to pursue any significant goal. It highlights that achieving excellence requires not only ambition but also a readiness to make sacrifices in pursuit of that goal.
Themes
DesireSacrificeGoalExcellenceMotivation
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote in a motivational speech for athletes about the importance of ambition and dedication.
More from Billie Jean King
All quotes →Tennis taught me so many lessons in life. One of the things it taught me is that every ball that comes to me, I have to make a decision. I have to accept responsibility for the consequences every time I hit a ball.
Billie Jean KingRead
A champion is afraid of losing. Everyone else is afraid of winning.
Billie Jean KingRead
Natural talent only determines the limits of your athletic potential. It's dedication and a willingness to discipline your life that makes you great.
Billie Jean KingRead
I feel that tennis is an art form that is capable of moving the players and the audience - at least a knowledgeable audience-in almost sensual ways. When I'm performing at my absolute best, I think that some of the euphoria I feel must be transmitted to the audience.
Billie Jean KingRead
I like putting money back into what made my life, and tennis has been great to me.
Billie Jean KingRead
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