If he wins seven golds and ties what I did, then it would be like I was the first man on the moon and he became the second. If he wins more than seven, then he becomes the first man on Mars. We'd both be unique.
Mark SpitzRead
The only side effect of too much training is that you get into better shape. There is nothing wrong with that.
Interpretation
Training leads to physical improvement and is beneficial.
Mark Spitz's quote emphasizes the positive outcomes of rigorous training, suggesting that the only downside to excessive exercise is improved physical fitness. It highlights the notion that commitment and hard work in training yield significant rewards without the burden of negative consequences.
In practice
During a motivational speech for athletes focused on pushing their limits.
If he wins seven golds and ties what I did, then it would be like I was the first man on the moon and he became the second. If he wins more than seven, then he becomes the first man on Mars. We'd both be unique.
I got beat real hard and heavy in the Olympic Games in 1968 by a guy who swam an incredible race one time in his whole life, but he did it right at the right time. I'd like to be that guy now. Maybe that's what I'm going to have to pull out of my hat to make the Olympic team.
If you are relaxing and subconsciously thinking about your coming race, you are going to perform at just about 100 percent efficiency.
When I am occupied with a work that requires continuity - a novel, for example - I write every day.
To the person with a firm purpose all men and things are servants.
He who risks and fails can be forgiven. He who never risks and never fails is a failure in his whole being.
You don't get points for predicting rain. You get points for building arks.
Everybody says I can't act. They said the same thing about Elizabeth Taylor. And they were wrong. She was great in A Place in the Sun. I'll never get the right part, anything I really want. My looks are against me. They're too specific.
Ambition should be made of sterner stuff.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.