In sports, I refused to do any interviews that were just going to become human-interest stories. Don't turn me into a tragic heroine.
Interpretation
Aimee Mullins emphasizes the importance of authenticity and rejecting oversimplified narratives in media.
Aimee Mullins expresses her discontent with media portrayals that focus on her as a 'tragic heroine', indicating her desire to be seen as an athlete and a person rather than the subject of sentimental stories. She advocates for a more genuine representation that goes beyond superficial narratives, highlighting the complexity of her identity and experiences.
In practice
This quote could be used in a motivational speech at a sports event emphasizing individuality over stereotype.
I'm not an advocate for disability issues. Human issues are what interest me. You can't possibly speak for a diverse group of people. I don't know what it's like to be an arm amputee, or have even one flesh-and-bone leg, or to have cerebral palsy.
I've had journalists asking me, 'What do we call you - is it handicapped, are you disabled, physically challenged?' I said, 'Well hopefully you could just call me Aimee. But if you have to describe it, I'm a bilateral below-the-knee amputee.'
An athlete experiences the emotions of pain and elation through triumph and defeat, through teamwork and individuality, as nothing more than a human being...that is the true glory of sport.
I think that everyone has something about themselves that they feel is their weakness... their 'disability.' And I'm certain we all have one, because I think of a disability as being anything which undermines our belief and confidence in our own abilities.
I have learned not to overlook the advantages of being me. From when I was a softball player, and I held the stolen bases record. I would slide into second with my prostheses, and the girl on the base could either step aside or meet two wooden sticks.
I'm not an advocate for disability issues. Human issues are what interest me.
Football is blocking and tackling. Everything else is mythology.
I played everything. I played lacrosse, baseball, hockey, soccer, track and field. I was a big believer that you played hockey in the winter and when the season was over you hung up your skates and you played something else.
I remember going from rookie ball to A, to double A, then to triple A. At every level it seemed like the game was faster. The bigger the situation, the more the game speeds up. That's all mental. It messes people up.
What a great day for football, all we need is some green grass and a ball.
The most important part are the fans, that people going home are happy. It's their time off, and you should give them something to enjoy.
I think that everyone should be able to dribble. Everyone should be able to pass. Otherwise, why are you out there?
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