Literally falling on the ice and having to pick yourself up in front of thousands of people is not an easy thing to do. The thing that you learn is to pick yourself back up, to learn from your mistakes.
Michelle KwanRead
When I was younger, I always dreamed of being a legend, to be remembered in figure skating.
Interpretation
This quote reflects a desire for greatness and lasting impact in one's field.
Michelle Kwan's quote expresses her childhood aspiration to achieve legendary status in figure skating, highlighting the ambition to be not only successful but also memorable in one's pursuits. It underscores the idea that dreams of greatness often begin in youth and can motivate individuals to strive for excellence throughout their lives.
In practice
During a motivational speech about achieving dreams in sports.
Literally falling on the ice and having to pick yourself up in front of thousands of people is not an easy thing to do. The thing that you learn is to pick yourself back up, to learn from your mistakes.
I look back at 1993 or 1994 when I made it to the National Championships, and I was on used skates and handmade or borrowed costumes. But my mom was there every step of the way for me: she was the one traveling with me all over the world at age 13.
At 13, I was fearless. I looked at everything so positive. When you're older and been through it all, you know how bad it can get. There is a fear of failing.
In figure skating, you have four minutes to do your best. It's your time; you do your best.
Winning is not about how many medals you get-it's about accomplishing goals and just being the best you can be!
I don't really remember a time younger than 5 years old that I didn't have skates on because all I can remember is every day, tying up my skates and a big smile on my face, excited to go on the ice.
Success demands a high level of logistical and organizational competence.
I can't tell you what an honor it is, to even be mentioned in the same breath with Arthur Ashe. This is something I certainly will treasure forever.
Excellence is not an act, but a habit.
I too shall lie in the dust when I am dead, but now let me win noble renown.
I didn't have a career plan. But what I did was, whenever there was a door open and a new opportunity, I always looked into it and took a chance and walked through the door.
Don't be misled into believing that somehow the world owes you a living. The boy who believes that his parents, or the government, or any one else owes him his livelihood and that he can collect it without labor will wake up one day and find himself working for another boy who did not have that belief and, therefore, earned the right to have others work for him.
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