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There’s just something about the Olympic Games that brings people together. Sure, we love to marvel at the athletes and their super-human strength (and their unbelievable physiques!) but surely it’s the human stories that really makes us sit up and pay attention.
The Rio Olympic Games certainly hasn’t let us down when it’s come to tugging at the heart strings, from marriage proposals to first-time Aussie gold medalists, but as the games nears its end, we’re taking a look at some of the inspiration and motivational quotes from the last few weeks, which we’re sure to remember long after the closing ceremony.
Here are seven motivational quotes from the Rio Olympics that will put spring in your step and perhaps bring a tear to your eye. Better have the tissues handy for this one.
1. Bronte Barratt, Australian swimmer
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“It’s not about winning at the Olympic Games, it’s about trying to win. The motto is faster, higher, stronger. Not, fastest, highest, strongest. Sometimes it’s trying that matters.”
2. Belinda Hocking, Australian swimmer
“I want to finish my career off knowing I’ve done the best race possible.”
3. Simone Biles, United States gymnast
“I’m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps, I’m the first Simone Biles.”
4. Oksanna Chusovitina, Uzbekistan gymnast
“On the podium, everyone is the same whether you are 40 or 16.”
5. Cate Campbell, Australian swimmer
“The Olympics is not about winning, I think it’s about trying to win. I’ve already won, I got to swim in the Olympic final with my sister.”
6. Simone Manuel, United State swimmer
“I want to be an inspiration, but I would like there to be a day when it is not ‘Simone the black swimmer.’”
7. Michael Phelps, United States swimmer
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“I think goals should never be easy, they should force you to work, even if they are uncomfortable at the time.”
8. Savannah Marshall, British boxer
“My flat’s right outside the McDonald’s so every day I look outside and think, ‘A couple more days, one more week and I’ll be in that queue’.”