Do I feel any pressure as the most decorated Winter Olympian in American history? None at all. The only pressures that I know I face are those of how to pay it forward: How can I continually make a positive impact in people's lives, help others achieve their dreams, create their own Olympic mindset, creating champions within themselves?
Interpretation
Apolo Ohno expresses that the true pressure he feels is to make a positive impact on others rather than focusing on his own achievements.
In this quote, Apolo Ohno reflects on the pressures of being highly decorated but emphasizes that his primary concern is not about his accolades. Instead, he is focused on how he can leverage his success to inspire and uplift others, helping them realize their potential and cultivate their own champions. It highlights a selfless mindset where success is measured by the impact one has on the lives of others rather than personal glory.
In practice
Using this quote in a motivational speech to encourage individuals to focus on helping others.
I never had one day that I didn't want to be on the ice, because I always had an objective for that day. I had a rigorous plan and schedule in place that I had to adhere to. It was a step-by-step process of slowly but surely inching toward the Olympic Games and using every day as a series of goals to be accomplished.
Winning does not always mean coming in first...real victory is in arriving at the finish line with no regrets because you know you've gone all out.
When I'm done skating, I guarantee you that I will not look back and remember standing on the podium. I'm going to remember these days - being with the team. Training alone, in my basement. Training when everybody else is sleeping. Doing things that nobody else is doing. Digging down. Seeing what kind of character I truly have. I love that stuff.
I always seem to get inspiration and renewed vitality by contact with this great novel land of yours which sticks up out of the Atlantic.
Throughout my life, my prayers have actively sustained me - held me up, carried me through.
I was the first South Asian female to do comedy videos on YouTube. But at the same time, all races face their barriers, and I've learned through YouTube, if it's not race, it will be sexism, if it's not sexism, it will be homophobia. It will always be something, and all voices should be heard.
Turn on the dream you lived through the unwavering gaze. It is as you thought: the living burn. In the floating days may you discover grace.
Someone once asked me... whether I waited for inspiration. My answer was: "Every day!"
We will surely get to our destination if we join hands.
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