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With the Winter Olympics in full swing, you may find yourself inspired, intimidated, or simply curious about how you can harness your own power.
Whether you’re recovering from a rough loss on the field or looking for a motivational nudge to get you off the couch, these inspirational quotes from famous athletes will help you channel your inner courage.
Diagnosed with ADHD at a young age, Michael Phelps had trouble focusing in school but that didn’t stop him from putting the work into his swimming career eventually becoming the most decorated Olympian of all time, winning 28 medals for the United States.
Phelps also holds records for the most Olympic gold medals, the most Olympic gold medals in individual events, and the most Olympic medals in individual events.
Humpries is a Canadian-American bobsledder. She was the 2010 and 2014 Olympic champion in the two-woman bobsled, as well as a 2018 Olympic bronze medalist while representing Canada.
This quote showcases her humbleness despite her significant lead over the competition while heading into the second half of the inaugural women’s monobob race in the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Humphries was representing the United States, just two months after becoming a citizen.
Michael Jordan is considered “the greatest basketball player of all time” by the NBA. Jordan established a long career in the sport, playing 15 seasons in the NBA and winning six championships with the Chicago Bulls.
In this quote, Jordan reflects on one of his greatest strengths as an athlete – learning from others.
Shaun White is a professional snowboarder, skateboarder, and five-time Olympian. After winning three Olympic gold medals in half-pipe snowboarding, the athlete reflected on how putting in the work and giving his best in each event allows him to walk away after a competition and feel proud, regardless of what medal he might win.
Maria Sharapova is a former world No. 1 tennis player hailing from Russia and residing in the United States since 1994. She is an Olympic medalist, having won a silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics, in addition to winning five Grand Slam Titles and 36 titles in total.
Widely considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Serena Williams has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles and holds the most major titles in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles combined among active tennis players.
Mia Hamm is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion hailing from the United States. Hamm played as a forward for the US women’s national soccer team for 17 years, competing in four FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments.
Dwayne Johnson, known to many as “The Rock,” is regarded as The People’s Champion and one of the most iconic professional wrestlers of all time. After wrestling for WWE for eight years, he pursued a career in acting, with his films grossing $10.5 billion worldwide as of 2021.
Jerry Rice is a former wide receiver who played 21 seasons in the NFL for the 49ers, Raiders, Seahawks, and Broncos. Today, he is regarded as one of the greatest wide receivers and players in NFL history.
Bruce Lee was a Hong Kong and American martial artist, actor, and founder of Jeet Kune Do, a hybrid martial arts philosophy widely credited as paving the way for modern mixed martial arts (MMA).
Kobe Bryant was a celebrated American basketball player with a 20-year career with the Lakers in the NBA. Bryant is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, winning five NBA championships, in addition to being an 18-time All-Star.
Andre Agassi is a former world No. 1 tennis player, eight-time major champion, and Olympic gold medalist from the United States.
Abby Wambach is a retired American soccer player, six-time winner of the US Soccer Athlete of the Year award, and member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Wambach is the highest all-time scorer for the US women’s national team and has been listed as one of the most influential people in the world by Time Magazine.
Ibtihaj Muhammad is a member of the United States fencing team, known for being the first Muslim American woman to wear a hijab while competing (and medaling) for the United States in the 2016 Olympics.
Simone Biles is an accomplished artistic gymnast. Biles is tied as the most decorated gymnast of all time, with a combined 32 Olympic and World Championship medals. Biles’s success story is inspiring, moving from the foster care system to winning gold after gold in the Olympics over a few short years.