My best year of track competition was the first year I ate a vegan diet.
Carl LewisRead
I never competed against athletes. I competed against perfection.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Achieving excellence is more important than comparing oneself to others.
In this quote, Carl Lewis reflects on his perspective as an athlete, emphasizing that his focus was not primarily on competing against other athletes, but rather on striving for the highest possible standard, or perfection. This mindset underscores the idea that personal achievement and the pursuit of excellence should be the primary goals, rather than merely outdoing competitors.
Themes
PerfectionSuccessCompetitionExcellenceAthlete
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a motivational speech for athletes to encourage them to focus on their personal best.
More from Carl Lewis
All quotes βWhether I'm 40, 50 or 60, I'm going to be as physically strong as I am able.
Carl LewisRead
I found the emotion that as an athlete you block out, and it really helped me to understand myself as a person. I'm a really emotional person and it helped make me a better person.
Carl LewisRead
At the end of the day, if you're a professional athlete in track and field you are the CEO of your company.
Carl LewisRead
Track and field is the best way to reach out for kids. It doesn't matter how fast you are. You always want to beat someone.
Carl LewisRead
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