World records at 19. I don't want that. Later, yes. And when it comes, I'll learn to live with it, but it won't be my first love.
Interpretation
The speaker values personal growth and passion over the pursuit of records or fame.
In this quote, Steve Prefontaine expresses a desire to prioritize his passion for running over the pursuit of accolades like world records. He understands that achieving such records may come later in life, but it is important for him to focus on what he truly loves rather than the pressure of external recognition.
In practice
In a motivational speech to aspiring athletes about the importance of following one's passion.
How does a kid from Coos Bay, with one leg longer than the other win races? All my life people have been telling me, 'You're too small Pre', 'You're not fast enough Pre', 'Give up your foolish dream Steve'. But they forgot something, I HAVE TO WIN.
The AAU doesn't care about the athletes; why should I care about them?
The best pace is a suicide pace, and today looks like a good day to die.
Some people create with words or with music or with a brush and paints. I like to make something beautiful when I run. I like to make people stop and say, 'I've never seen anyone run like that before.' It's more than just a race, it's a style. It's doing something better than anyone else. It's being creative.
This is my last year at Oregon, and it means a lot to me. The people have been great to me up there, so if I have to run three races to win the Pac-8 title, I'll do it. Oh, sure, I'll probably be tired, but the people shouting will carry me across the finish line.
I'm the one who has made all the sacrifices. Those are my American records, not the country's.
It is easy at any moment to surrender a large fortune; to build one up is a difficult and an arduous task.
Time is money, be a better you.
Glory lies in the attempt to reach one's goal and not in reaching it.
You want to get rich in order that you may surround yourself with beautiful things, see distant lands, feed your mind, and develop your intellect; in order that you may love others and do kind things, and be able to play a good part in helping the world to find truth.
Only through focus can you do world-class things, no matter how capable you are.
I think I did pretty well, considering I started out with nothing but a bunch of blank paper.
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