It has been a great honour to play for the West Indies, to hold a bat and to spend 17 years in international cricket. That is something I am proud of.
Interpretation
The quote expresses pride in a long and successful cricket career representing the West Indies.
Brian Lara reflects on his illustrious 17-year career in international cricket with the West Indies, highlighting the pride and honor he feels for having been part of such a prestigious journey. His statement emphasizes the significance of dedication and the fulfillment derived from representing one's country in sports, showcasing the depth of his commitment and love for the game.
In practice
This quote could be used in a sports motivational speech to inspire young athletes to appreciate their journey.
When the others grew tired and went home and there was no one else to play with I used to play my own Test matches on the porch of our house, using a broom handle or a stick as the bat and a marble as the ball. I would arrange the pot plants to represent fielders and try to find the gaps as I played my shots.
I don't think there is any 16-year-old who is going to embark on the sort of career that Sachin Tendulkar has had and walk away from the game at 40 with such great achievements. He's the Muhammad Ali and the Michael Jordan of cricket.
My brother shaved a cricket bat out of a coconut branch... we played cricket with anything we put our hands on - a hard orange, a lime, a marble - anything we could use in the backyard or the streets.
I have been knocked down so many times, as a player and as a person, and I have had the strength, I suppose that has come from my parents, to be able to pick myself each and every single time and go out there in the face of adversity and try my best and perform. I didn't read it up in a book. It's deep down and it's part of my family trait.
I didn't have a career plan. But what I did was, whenever there was a door open and a new opportunity, I always looked into it and took a chance and walked through the door.
I believe any success in life is made by going into an area with a blind, furious optimism.
When I look back, I am happy that my mum took me to the gymnastics club. I didn't join gymnastics to become a famous athlete or celebrity; it just happened - I did more than I expected, of course.
The best luck always happens to people who don't need it.
Success is not about money and power. Real success is about relationships. There's no point in making $50 million a year if your teenager thinks you're a jerk and you spend no time with your wife.
Every man has a right to be conceited until he is successful.
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