14 inspiring quotes from the Olympics
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If you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up because you feel as if you’re falling behind, if you’re too hard on yourself, or if you assume you’ll never achieve your goals, then these powerful quotes from 14 motivational athletes are for you.
Australian swimmer Bronte Campbell
“I gave my all and my all wasn’t a gold or a silver or a bronze – but it’s not nothing.” Australian swimmer Bronte Campbell after she finished 7th in the 50m freestyle, as reported by the Official Site of the 2016 Australian Olympic Team.

American gymnast Jake Dalton
“I think fitness and faith go hand in hand because there are going to be times where you are tested and you need to do your best to stay on track. You are going to fail but as long as you do your best to remember the end goal, you will be successful.” American gymnast Jake Dalton, as reported by The Catholic Company

Jamaican runner Usain Bolt
“This is why I came here, to the Olympics, to prove to the world that I’m the best – again. It always feels good to go out on top.” Jamaican runner Usain Bolt, as reported by the New York Times.

American runner Abbey D’Agostino
“And it’s just, all I know is I got up and my first instinct was ‘OK, turn around, we gotta finish this. I don’t think that was me, I think that was literally the spirit of God in me, like, ‘Let’s go.’” American runner Abbey D’Agostino describing the moment after she and New Zealand’s Nikki Hamblin collided and fell during the 5,000-meter race, as reported by TODAY.
Photo: Getty Images

American beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh Jennings
“We won this, we didn’t lose. We won this. We lost our chance to win a gold, but we won this bronze model.” American beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh Jennings, as reported by TODAY.
Photo: Getty Images

American hurdler Brianna Rollins
“When women come together, it’s like a sisterhood.” American hurdler Brianna Rollins when speaking about the historic clean sweep of the 100-meter event, as reported by TODAY.
Photo: Getty Images

American gymnast Danell Leyva
“I wasn’t coming here trying to prove anything to anybody. I was just trying to show my work as best I could.” American gymnast Danell Leyva, who went from an alternate to winning two silver medals, as reported by NBC Sports.

American track and field sprinter Allyson Felix
“I hope that I just can get across that you’re going to have obstacles, there’s going to be adversity, but let your spirit shine through, keep fighting no matter how the cards are stacked against you, don’t let it get you down.” American track and field sprinter Allyson Felix, as reported by TODAY.

American swimmer Katie Ledecky
“I just work hard and try my best every time I step up on those blocks. I’m very goal-oriented. I’ve always set high goals for myself. When I was little I never dreamed of going to the Olympics, but once I did, I wanted to do my very best at that level. Four years ago, when I was visualising my final, I never envisaged anything other than winning gold. Once I get to that level, I’m able to set the goals for myself and go out and achieve them.” American swimmer Katie Ledecky who won five medals and set a new world record in the 800-meter freestyle, as reported by USA Swimming.

American swimmer Missy Franklin
“I think a message that our whole team really wants to get across to people is that, ‘No matter what you do, work as hard as you can at it but make sure you are also enjoying it.’” American swimmer Missy Franklin, as reported by USA Swimming.

American swimmer Simone Manuel
“For people who believe that they can’t do it. I hope I’m an inspiration to others to get out there and try swimming. You might be pretty good at it.” American swimmer Simone Manuel, the first African American woman to win an Olympic gold in an individual swimming event, as reported by The Guardian

American gymnast Simone Biles
“I’m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps. I’m the first Simone Biles.” American gymnast Simone Biles, who won five medals, as reported by Omnisport.

American gymnast Aly Raisman
“It was heartbreaking and devastating. But everything happens for a reason. I didn’t know the reason until now.” American gymnast Aly Raisman speaking about not winning a medal in the all-round competition in 2012—while lifting her silver medal to show a crowd of reporters, as reported by ESPN.

American gymnast Laurie Hernandez
“You got this!” American gymnast Laurie Hernandez said to herself right before she jumped on the balance beam, as reported by countless people on social media