“My mother is my root, my foundation. She planted the seed that I base my life on, and that is the belief that the ability to achieve starts in your mind.”
– Michael Jordan, gold medalist in basketball in 1992 and 1984
“Never put an age limit on your dreams.”
– Dara Torres, mother and gold medalist in swimming in 2000, 1992 and 1984, silver medalist in 2008 (at the age of 41) and 1988 and bronze medalist in 2000 and 1988
“I’ll tell you what I’ve told people for a long time. She’s a sweet, fat, wonderful woman, who loves to cook, eat, make clothes, and be with family. She doesn’t drink, smoke, meddle in other people’s business, or bother anyone, and there’s no one who’s been better to me my whole life.”
“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”
– Muhammad Ali, gold medalist in boxing in 1960
“I really just started fighting. I didn’t want to lose. I talked to my mom on the phone. You know, she has a way of talking to me.”
“Luck has nothing to do with it, because I have spent many, many hours, countless hours, on the court working for my one moment in time, not knowing when it would come.”
–Serena Williams, gold medalist in tennis, 2012
“When anyone tells me I can’t do anything, I’m just not listening anymore.”
– Florence Griffith-Joyner, mother, gold medalist in track and field in 1988 and silver medalist in 1988 and 1984
“Each of us has a fire in our hearts for something. It’s our goal in life to find it and keep it lit.”
– Mary Lou Retton, mother of four girls, gold, silver and bronze medalist in gymnastics in 1984
“My mom was always telling me, ‘You can inspire a nation.’ I always thought of that as my motivation. I want to inspire people. If you’re having a hard time, never give up and always keep fighting.”
–Gabby Douglas, 2-time gold medalist in gymnastics in 2012
“Even in high school, I’d tell my mom I was sick of swimming and wanted to try to play golf. She wasn’t too happy. She’d say, ‘Think about this.’ And I’d always end up getting back in the pool.”
–Michael Phelps, 21 medals (19 gold & counting) in swimming in 2004, 2008 and 2012
“My mom is great and I make sure that we pray together before every race. She helps me put everything in perspective and remind me of the real reason I run.”
–Allyson Felix, gold medalist and two-time silver medalist in track and field 2008
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