I basically have my life today as a result of what I did as a child. What did I miss out on? Yeah, I missed not hanging out at shopping malls, I guess, but that is not a big deal because you don't get a medal for that.
Nadia ComaneciRead
When I went into the Montreal Games, nobody expected much out of me.
Interpretation
Success often comes unexpectedly, even to those who are underestimated.
Nadia Comaneci's quote reflects the idea that individuals may achieve greatness despite low expectations from others. It highlights the surprising nature of success and the potential for extraordinary achievements that can come from determination and skill, even when others do not believe in one's capabilities.
In practice
This quote can be used as inspiration for athletes who are underestimated.
I basically have my life today as a result of what I did as a child. What did I miss out on? Yeah, I missed not hanging out at shopping malls, I guess, but that is not a big deal because you don't get a medal for that.
If I was a boy, nobody would care that I worked out six, seven hours a day when I was 9 years old, no? Why were people always saying 'poor little girl?' I liked to work out and always did more than I was asked to.
I have had a few turning points, the first day I entered a gymnastics school at age 6.
I didn't realize that winning the Olympics at age 14 automatically put me in the category of being a celebrity.
I think that when you are on a four-inch balance beam, you don't care about laughing or smiling or waving to the crowd because you're going to be down in a second.
Maybe that's why I like gymnastics - because I like to fly.
The same way that I know that I'll never do a movie as good or as celebrated as 'Forrest Gump,' I know that I'll never do a movie as bad as 'Bonfire of the Vanities.'
Going to work for a large company is like getting on a train. Are you going sixty miles an hour or is the train going sixty miles an hour and you're just sitting still?
I do know there are a lot of people who seem to be in my corner, and that's, of course, wonderful. I'm really more interested in the nomination than in the award, because I think the nomination just puts you within a group of outstanding actors.
No individual can win a game by himself.
Work is life for me, it is the only point of life - and with it there is almost religious belief that service is everything.
One thing I always say is being a great chef today is not enough - you have to be a great businessman.
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