A former world-record-holding gold medalist! Famous quotes by Naoko Takahashi, former track and field athlete

I want this year to be one where I gave my all every single day.Naoko Takahashi

Just because someone suddenly tries hard doesn’t mean they can immediately show their ability or achieve success.

Strength is built gradually through daily accumulation and effort, until you’re able to truly compete.

That said, pushing yourself every single day is tough.

But precisely because it’s hard, those who can do it may achieve a kind of success that no one else can.

And when it’s time to compete, many of us look back on all the effort we’ve put in and use it to fire ourselves up.

To maximize that power, let’s keep these words in our hearts as we go about each day.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

I’m not in a position to pick races based on who’s going to show up where. I’m prepared to run all three if I have to, and I’ll go all out to earn my spot on the national team.Naoko Takahashi

“Who deserves to go to the Olympics?” Whenever the Olympic year coincides with a generation packed with talented runners, the media practically always erupts.

There are those who favor experienced, steady veterans, and those who want to bet on the potential of fast-rising, fresh runners—sparking lively debate at schools and workplaces alike.

In the midst of that, these words feel like a firm declaration to the selection committee and the media: “I’ll prove it with my performance!” It’s a line only someone as accomplished as Ms.

Takahashi could deliver.

Someday, we’d love to say something that cool ourselves.

I don’t think losing is something to be ashamed of.Naoko Takahashi

In any competition, there are always wins and losses.

Winning feels good, but when you lose, you might think about all the time you’ve spent working hard and the people who supported you, and feel embarrassed.

But a loss only comes because you stepped up to compete, and there’s no need to be ashamed of that.

What’s truly shameful is refusing to compete because you assume you’ll lose, or being unable to discipline yourself to win.

When losing feels painful, remember these words and start walking toward your next challenge.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

I want to turn both the reality of the good and the reality of the bad into nourishment for what comes next.Naoko Takahashi

[Hospitality that resonates with the heart in brush calligraphy] I want to turn both the reality of the good and the reality of the bad into nourishment for what comes next.

Before the Sydney Olympics, when she trained at an altitude of 3,500 meters, some experts warned it was “dangerous.” She also reportedly agonized when hurtful articles claimed things like “Takahashi has gotten fat and can’t run anymore.” Beyond that, there were surely many worries that never made the headlines but came precisely because of her high profile.

Still, the ability to turn even such experiences into something positive—thinking, “If I can make this into some kind of nourishment…”—is unique to world-class athletes.

An ordinary person would probably brood and lose their energy, right?

I consider myself not a “successer” but a “grower.” The former ends once you succeed, but the latter is eternal as long as you keep growing.Naoko Takahashi

A quote from Naoko Takahashi, women's marathon gold medalist at the 2000 Sydney Olympics #SuccessfulPerson #Growth #GoldMedalist

“Successful person” and “person who grows” are similar but slightly different terms, aren’t they? Naoko Takahashi describes herself not as a successful person, but as someone who keeps growing.

As a gold medalist at the Sydney Olympics, she is undoubtedly a success, but if you read the words that follow, you’ll likely understand why she calls herself someone who grows.

Continuing to put in effort and to keep growing is anything but easy.

However, it can also be said to be an indispensable element of success.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem