I don't compete with other discus throwers. I compete with my own history.

- Al Oerter

To exercise at or near capacity is the best way I know of reaching a true introspective state. If you do it right, it can open all kinds of inner doo…

- Al Oerter

As long as I can concentrate and remain somewhat calm, I can normally do very well.

- Al Oerter

Competition in its best form is a test of self. It has nothing to do with medals. The winner is the person who gets the most out of themselves.

- Al Oerter

There's no substitute for work. There are no shortcuts. There are no secrets.

- Al Oerter

So what if I never win my fifth gold medal; It's only one end of the string. It's competing that matters. It's proving that there is a place for guys…

- Al Oerter

I don't think the discus will ever attract any interest until they let us start throwing them at one another.

- Al Oerter