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 think the combination of graduate education in a field like Computer Science and the opportunity to apply this in a work environment like Microsoft is what drove me. The impact these opportunities create can lead to work that has broad, worldwide impact.
When I was a boxer, I wanted to be champion of the world, not the richest man in the world.
I felt rich when I was 20 years old and my wife was paying my bills. Just being in a band, I've always felt blessed.
I certainly wanted my name in lights. I wanted my name on a marquee. I wanted recognition on Broadway.
With all humility, I think, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." Infinitely more important than the vain attempt to love one's neighbor as one's self. If you want to hit a bird on the wing you must have all your will in focus, you must not be thinking about yourself, and equally, you must not be thinking about your neighbor; you must be living with your eye on that bird. Every achievement is a bird on the wing.
Don't count the people that you reach, reach the people who count
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