Oscar Pistorius Quotes

Would I still be playing at the top level at the age of 37 years if I had any weaknesses?

Learning how to compete is one of the most important things that an athlete can do. You can train as well as you possibly can and go compete and completely choke.

Many athletes are seeking new and novel ways of pushing their limits, and the challenge of running back-to-back races is certainly one way to test the boundaries.

I just want to give my best in London, I want to cross that line and see a personal best on the clock then I will see what position I am in.

Well, I guess I needed this tough first round to really put me into that tournament, to really erase what happened at Indian Wells, which is now the case, you know.

You're always facing the top defenders in this league. To go out there and do your best, that's all you can ask for.

No one will ever win a 5,000-meter by running an easy two miles. Not against me.

During my first Olympics in 1980, at the age of 23, I was physically in great condition but mentally too inexperienced to cope comfortably in the pressure cooker of an Olympic year.

I think the biggest part of my game that's underestimated is the mental part of it.

To me, it's always bumpy, and to me, that's the joy of it. That's this game. That's how hard it is in the NFL. Really, what you did last year or 2010, as we know, doesn't factor.

I know if I want to have a chance to beat the top players, I need to be mentally ready for that.

Having to play Test matches for a month and then switch to T20s in five days is not easy, but that's the kind of challenge I love to face.

I don't like giving up hits and stuff, but I try not to show it. I don't want the hitter to see that something bothers me.

I grew up playing bigger guys all my life, so it's nothing different.

I think something that has separated me from the rest of the competition - maybe it's just my way of thinking - I don't necessarily go into fights just wanting to win but to actually dominate. So when I don't feel like I dominate, sometimes I feel like a loser, I guess, you know, maybe in that perspective.

I can't be getting off my game. I need to be getting teams off their games.

There have always been extraordinarily tough men in the business of sports-entertainment. My view is that one can't be in the sports-entertainment business successfully and long term without being tough.

I used to go out there and think I've got to do this to help better the sport - I've got to go out there and run top five and try to win a race. Now I just go out there and do my best, and hopefully it settles it.

If I am at 100 percent fitness, I do not fear any competition for places in the first 11.

Obviously, teams start wearing down. But that's kind of when you thrive, when the other team starts to get tired.

If you get into an armbar and someone locks it down on you, it's easy for you to tap out, but sometimes dealing with certain things, fighting through certain adversities, and being that I've been in some of the toughest situations in life, it just gives me an edge on my opponent that I'm going to torture him and beat him up.

It's a blessing and a curse. I feel like I've gotta fight every dude that stepped foot on 'The Ultimate Fighter.'

That's what I'm focused on, having that perfect race.

When I'm out there, I play with a chip on my shoulder regardless of the situation.

The more mental strength you have, the better. If you look at some of the best players that we have seen over the years and that I have been playing with, mentally they are the best competitors as well, something I have worked hard on.