Major Taylor Quotes

There will always be that dreadful monster prejudice to do extra battle against because of their color.

In a word I was a pioneer, and therefore had to blaze my own trail.

Clean living is the cardinal principle in the lives of the world's greatest athletes, as the phenomenal performances of these outstanding characters will obviously show.

These rules may seem simple enough, but it will require great morale and physical courage to adhere to them. But if carried out in the strict sense of the word it will surely lead to a greater success than could otherwise be attained.

It is my thought that clean living and a strict observance of the golden rule of true sportsmanship are foundation stones without which a championship structure cannot be built.

I know that a good many champions have entertained the thought that the more they discourage youngsters, the longer they would reign. However, this theory never impressed me, and I always made it a point to give youths the benefit of my experience in bicycle racing.

Each great athlete must some day bow to that perennial old champion, Father Time, even as I, for Time eventually wins.

I might go on discussing this subject at great length, but after all is said, done, and written, my own book of experiences will best show what these obstacles are, and how I managed to overcome them to some extent.

There are positively no mental, physical or moral attainments too lofty for the Negro to accomplish if granted a fair and equal opportunity.