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.
Care enough to make a difference. Care enough to turn somebody around. Care enough to change. Care enough to win.
Fear is not a word in my football documentary.
Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.
When we succumb to believing that we are victims of our circumstances and yield to the plight of determinism, we lose hope, we lose drive, and we settle into resignation and stagnation.
Dreams, though, are cheap, and the real task comes when you start putting in place the steps needed to make those dreams a reality.
I will become the greatest, because all travellers have to be able to adapt. That quality, adaptability, is essential to that way of life. Not many boxers have it but I can adapt before a fight to the opponent, during the fight if necessary.
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