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
Be bold. If you're going to make an error, make a doozy, and don't be afraid to hit the ball.
Interpretation
Be courageous and take risks; it's better to make a big mistake than to not try at all.
This quote by Billie Jean King emphasizes the importance of being bold and fearless in pursuit of one's goals. It suggests that making significant mistakes is preferable to avoiding action altogether, highlighting that taking risks is an essential part of growth and achievement.
In practice
In a motivational speech to young athletes, this quote can encourage them to take risks in their performance.
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.
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.
A champion is afraid of losing. Everyone else is afraid of winning.
Natural talent only determines the limits of your athletic potential. It's dedication and a willingness to discipline your life that makes you great.
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.
I like putting money back into what made my life, and tennis has been great to me.
Don't let the negatives of life control you. Rise above them. Use them as your stepping stones to go higher than you ever dreamed possible
It didn't matter how good I was. It was always, 'You're a girl. You can't play with the guys.' It's always been motivation for me.
If I thought of gymnastics as a job, it would put too much stress on me.
If you don’t find the time, if you don’t do the work, you don’t get the results.
I was just putting way too much pressure on myself. I was just trying to get that validation from my dad. It got so bad I remember my high school coach telling him not to show up to games.
You know, failure hurts. Any kind of failure stings. If you live in the sting, you will - undoubtedly - fail. My way of getting past the sting is to say no, I'm just not going to let this get me down.
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