Falling in life is inevitable—staying down is optional.
—Carrie Johnson, two-time Olympic kayaker
Breathe, believe and battle. My former coach, Troy Tanner, told us that before each match. Breathe—reminds you to be in the moment. Believe—have have faith that you can rise above it. Battle—you gotta be prepared to go for as long as it takes.
—Kerri Walsh, two-time beach volleyball Olympic gold medalist
Video: Training Tips from an Olympic Coach
“If you think you can’t, you wont, and if you think you can, you will.” When I’m tired at practice, I tell myself that I’m not tired and I can push through it. If you tell yourself you’re tired or if you tell yourself you’re sick, your body is going to follow the mind.
—Kellie Wells, 2011 USA indoor and outdoor 100m hurdles champion
Keep Calm and Carry On. A challenging time is just that—a period in time. Taking a few deep breaths and knowing that it won’t last forever really allows me to focus on the present moment and task at hand.
—Betsey Armstrong, 2008 water polo Olympic silver medalist and goalkeeper for 2012 US Women’s Olympic Water Polo Team
Search: What deep breathing exercises will help me relax?
My dad would tell me to play for those who couldn’t play. Play for physical disability. So my motivation is for people who struggle in life daily.
—Misty May-Treanor, two-time beach volleyball Olympic gold medalist
