Zatopek Quotes

I was unable to walk for a whole week after that, so much did the race take out of me. But it was the most pleasant exhaustion I have ever known. ~ Emil Zatopek

An athlete cannot run with money in his pockets. He must run with hope in his heart and dreams in his head. ~ Emil Zatopek

It is not necessary to smile and make a wonderful impression on the judges. ~ Emil Zatopek

There is not, and never was, a greater man than Emil Zatopek. ~ Ron Clarke

I was not talented enough to run and smile at the same time ~ Emil Zatopek

Everyone said, 'Emil, you are a fool!'
But when I first won the European Championship, they said: 'Emil, you are a genius!' ~ Emil Zatopek

Why should I practice running slow? I already know how to run slow. I want to learn to run fast. ~ Emil Zatopek

Great is the victory, but the friendship of all is greater. ~ Emil Zatopek

If I can get better, why not? ~ Emil Zatopek

Sri Chinmoy brings Heaven to me. He inspires everyone to be happy. He deserves the biggest gold medal. ~ Emil Zatopek

It's at the borders of pain and suffering that the men are separated from the boys. ~ Emil Zatopek

One day the factory sports coach, who was very strict, pointed at four boys, including me, and ordered us to run in a race. I protested that I was weak and not fit to run, but the coach sent me for a physical examination and the doctor said that I was perfectly well. So I had to run, and when I got started I felt I wanted to win. But I only came in second. That was the way it started. ~ Emil Zatopek

When a person trains once, nothing happens. When a person forces himself to do a thing a hundred or a thousand times, then he certainly has developed in more ways than physical. Is it raining? That doesn't matter. Am I tired? That doesn't matter either. Then willpower will be no problem. ~ Emil Zatopek

My running was very simple; it was out of myself. ~ Emil Zatopek

There is a great advantage in training under unfavorable conditions. It is better to train under bad conditions, for the difference is then a tremendous relief in a race. ~ Emil Zatopek

By a persistent effort of will it is possible to change the whole body. The athlete must always keep in mind this concept of change and progression. He must never accept his limitations as being permanent, because they are not. ~ Emil Zatopek

If one can stick to the training throughout the many long years, then will power is no longer a problem. It's raining? That doesn't matter. I am tired? That's besides the point. It's simply that I just have to. ~ Emil Zatopek

You can't climb up to the second floor without a ladder. When you set your aim too high and don't fulfill it, then your enthusiasm turns to bitterness. Try for a goal that's reasonable, and then gradually raise it. ~ Emil Zatopek