For A Time, At Least, I Was

I Wanted No Part Of Politics. And I Wasn't In Berlin To Compete Against Any One Athlete. The Purpose Of The Olympics, Anyway, Was To Do Your Best. As I'd Learned Long Ago From Charles Riley, The Only Victory That Counts Is The One Over Yourself.

The Lives Of Most Men Are Patchwork Quilts. Or At Best One Matching Outfit With A Closet And Laundry Bag Full Of Incongruous Accumulations. A Lifetime Of Training For Just Ten Seconds.

The Black Fist Is A Meaningless Symbol. When You Open It, You Have Nothing But Fingers - Weak, Empty Fingers. The Only Time The Black Fist Has Significance Is When There's Money Inside. There's Where The Power Lies.

Championships Are Mythical. The Real Champions Are Those Who Live Through What They Are Taught In Their Homes And Churches. The Attitude That 'we've Got To Win' In Sports Must Be Changed. Teach Your Youngsters, Who Are The Future Hope Of America, The Importance Of Love, Respect, Dedication, Determination, Self-sacrifice, Self-discipline And Good Attitude. That's The Road Up The Ladder To The Championships.

People Come Out To See You Perform And You've Got To Give Them The Best You Have Within You.