Jackie Joyner-Kersee quotes

Jackie Joyner-Kersee is an American track and field athlete, widely regarded as one of the greatest female athletes of all time. Her achievements include multiple Olympic gold medals in the heptathlon and long jump. She is admired for her strength, versatility, and commitment to community service. Here are 40 of her quotes:

Age is no barrier. It's a limitation you put on your mind.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

There are many women who came before me who didn't really have the same opportunities that I have had. That's why I always wanted to be a great ambassador - not only today's generation - but for the women who really didn't have a voice, but who paved the way for me.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

There are few restrictions on your life with asthma, as long as you take care of yourself.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

All I ever wanted really, and continue to want out of life, is to give 100 percent to whatever I'm doing and to be committed to whatever I'm doing and then let the results speak for themselves. Also to never take myself or people for granted and always be thankful and grateful to the people who helped me.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Give back in some way. Always be thoughtful of others.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

We live in a world where sports have the potential to bridge the gap between racism, sexism and discrimination. The 2012 Olympic Games was a great start but hopefully what these games taught us is that if women are given an opportunity on an equal playing field the possibilities for women are endless.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

I don't think being an athlete is unfeminine. I think of it as a kind of grace.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

It wasn't until I was 14 and watched the 1976 Olympic games on television that I really started to dream about the big time. I remember seeing Evelyn Ashford in the 100 meters, and she was going to UCLA.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Teaching kids about health and fitness is important to me. It's about being fit for life.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

I have this burning desire to get out there and do my best. It's as if I'm keeping it all in a little bottle, and it's all going to come out when I do the best I'm capable of doing.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

I was diagnosed with asthma when I was 18 during my freshman year at UCLA. I refused to accept it - and I hid it from my coaches and teammates. But ignoring my problem didn't make it go away.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

The person who talks a lot or talks over people misses out because they weren't listening.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

My passion for giving is no different than yours. I give because it's in my heart to give. I give because I was taught to give at a very early age. This is how I developed my passion for giving.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

As you grow older and young people come up to you with their history books, you realize that some of the things I have been able to do have been impactful. But for me, I try to keep everything in perspective and stay humble.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Quality training is what I do now; before it was a combination of both quality and quantity. Now I'm not trying to be a world-class athlete, I don't need to train at that level. It's about being fit, fit for life.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

My denial and irresponsible attitude about asthma put me at great risk and caused me so much needless suffering. My hope is that the kids I talk to learn to open up about their asthma, become educated about their condition, and seek help.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Once I leave this earth, I know I've done something that will continue to help others.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

I'm more of a hands-on person. I like working with young people from the standpoint of providing support for the grassroots programs. State, national and Olympic champions begin at a grassroots level.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

I would like 'I Dream of Genie' powers.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

I set my sights on making an Olympic team, not realizing how tough it was going to be.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

I've had asthma my entire life.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

When I started competing, you had to have your coach there. Now you can be coached from a home office via Skype or video. That's not the same as having them on the field with you.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee