This is my last year at Oregon, and it means a lot to me. The people have been great to me up there, so if I have to run three races to win the Pac-8 title, I'll do it. Oh, sure, I'll probably be tired, but the people shouting will carry me across the finish line.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of community support and personal perseverance in achieving goals.
Steve Prefontaine reflects on his final year at Oregon and expresses deep appreciation for the support of the people around him. He conveys a determination to push himself to his limits in pursuit of a championship, highlighting how the encouragement of others can inspire one to overcome fatigue and strive for greatness.
In practice
During a motivational speech for athletes preparing for a big competition.
How does a kid from Coos Bay, with one leg longer than the other win races? All my life people have been telling me, 'You're too small Pre', 'You're not fast enough Pre', 'Give up your foolish dream Steve'. But they forgot something, I HAVE TO WIN.
The AAU doesn't care about the athletes; why should I care about them?
The best pace is a suicide pace, and today looks like a good day to die.
Some people create with words or with music or with a brush and paints. I like to make something beautiful when I run. I like to make people stop and say, 'I've never seen anyone run like that before.' It's more than just a race, it's a style. It's doing something better than anyone else. It's being creative.
World records at 19. I don't want that. Later, yes. And when it comes, I'll learn to live with it, but it won't be my first love.
I'm the one who has made all the sacrifices. Those are my American records, not the country's.
I have learned that track doesn't define me. My faith defines me. I'm running because I have been blessed with a gift.
Dare to take chances, lest you leave your talent buried in the ground.
Take great comfort in knowing that ALL great feats are accomplished one small step at a time.
But to those who kept saying_x000D_ "It can't be done,"_x000D_ Never are the victories_x000D_ Or the honors won._x000D_ But, rather,_x000D_ By the believing, doing kind,_x000D_ While the doubters_x000D_ Watched from far behind.
Just remember--if you are really and truly determined to work with animals, somehow, either now or later, you will find a way to do it. But you have to want it desperately, work hard, take advantage of an opportunity--and never give up.
There isn't a hole out there [Augusta] that can't be birdied if you just think. But there isn't one that can't be double-bogeyed if you stop thinking.
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