Rafer Johnson Quotes

I don’t care if I never see Texas again.

Through the program, they get the basics of what it takes to train.

The whole decathlon is ridiculous, but the 1,500 meters is insanity.

Tonight I’m going to shower and then just walk for about four hours and look at the moon.

From the very start in 1969, I wanted to be a part of helping our Special Olympics athletes succeed. I wanted to be on Eunice Shirver’s team as another set of eyes, another set of hands and a heart working to be there for them, finding a way to help them be the best they can be.

I also meet with city officials, representatives from governors’ offices, really anyone in that sort of position who has shown an interest in youth fitness, to let them know why this sort of program is so important. I give the same message when I speak at conferences.

The main thing is that it’s nice to see these young people – 9 to 14 years old – take the opportunity to get more involved in their health and fitness. We need more kids to be more active.

I tell them how what matters is becoming the best you can be at whatever you’re doing.

What I can tell them is the way you become an Olympic champion is to start working now. I tell them why it’s always worth it to put the time and effort into something you want to be good at.