You have to go up there and jump high and clear whatever the bar may be. It's a competition within myself. That's how it was even before I was the best in the world, because that's the approach to every competition.
Interpretation
Striving for personal excellence is essential, regardless of external competition.
In this quote, Armand Duplantis emphasizes that the true competition lies within oneself rather than with others. He advocates for personal growth and striving to exceed one's own limits, suggesting that success is achieved by continuously challenging oneself and aiming to improve, rather than simply competing against others.
In practice
During a motivational speech at a sports camp to inspire young athletes.
That's a pretty big advantage to this journey that I've been able to have, is that I was able to start at such a young age because my father built a setup and I was able to build a technique from 3 years up to now. Without the backyard, I'm not whatever I am today. I knew that none of my classmates were pole vaulting.
If I go into years only thinking about medals I'm missing the whole meaning of what I've always been trying to do, which is trying to push myself and push the barriers of what is possible.
Men do less than they ought, unless they do all they can.
The truth of the matter is that there's nothing you can't accomplish if: (1) You clearly decide what it is that you're absolutely committed to achieving, (2) You're willing to take massive action, (3) You notice what's working or not, and (4) You continue to change your approach until you achieve what you want, using whatever life gives you along the way.
Between the great things we cannot do and the small things we will not do, the danger is that we shall do nothing.
I'm always looking for a new challenge. There are a lot of mountains to climb out there. When I run out of mountains, I'll build a new one.
The greats - they protect their sleep because it's where the best work comes from. They say no to things. They turn in when they hit their limits. They don't let the creep of sleep deprivation undermine their judgment.
Expect the best of yourself, and then do what is necessary to make it a reality.
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