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.
I've been lucky. Opportunities don't often come along. So, when they do, you have to grab them.
It's good to test yourself and develop your talents and ambitions as fully as you can and achieve greater success; but I think success is the feeling you get from a job well done, and the key thing is to do the work.
I can't imagine a person becoming a success who doesn't give this game of life everything he's got.
Once you have made it, you will understand that any business is limited in the challenges it offers. You will want and need other games to play, so you will look for other ventures to hold your interest.
If you look at most successful startups, they're run by people in their mid to late forties, who've gone through the trenches multiple times and had multiple failures, so they understand.
Victory has a thousand fathers, but defeat is an orphan.
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