17 Quotes by Bill Bowerman
Bill Bowerman, a legendary figure in the world of sports, was more than just a coach; he was an innovator and a true visionary. Known primarily for his immense contributions to the sport of track and field, Bowerman revolutionized the way athletes trained and competed. With a relentless pursuit of excellence, he emphasized the importance of discipline, hard work, and pushing the limits of human potential. Bowerman's coaching philosophy went beyond simply producing winning athletes; he sought to shape well-rounded individuals who would excel both on and off the field.
One of his most notable achievements was co-founding Nike, a company that would go on to become a global powerhouse in the sports apparel industry. Bowerman's relentless pursuit of innovation led him to experiment with various shoe designs, ultimately leading to the creation of the iconic Nike waffle sole, which forever changed the landscape of athletic footwear. Bowerman's impact on the world of sports and his lasting legacy continue to inspire athletes, coaches, and entrepreneurs alike, serving as a testament to his incredible influence and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Bill Bowerman Quotes
The real purpose of running isn't to win a race, it's to test the limits of the human heart.
The idea that the harder you work, the better you're going to be is just garbage. The greatest improvement is made by the man or woman who works most intelligently.
Victory is in having done your best. If you've done your best, you've won. (Meaning)
There's no such thing as bad weather, just soft people.
Everything you need is already inside.
If you have a body, you are an athlete!
The athlete makes himself, the coach doesn't make the athlete.
Don't give anything away. Never make it easy for the guys you are trying to beat.
A teacher is never too smart to learn from his pupils. But while runners differ, basic principles never change. So it's a matter of fitting your current practices to fit the event and the individual. See, what's good for you might not be worth a darn for the next guy.
To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.
If someone says, 'Hey, I ran 100 miles this week. How far did you run?' ignore him! What the hell difference does it make?.... The magic is in the man, not the 100 miles.
If at the end of a race you know yourself that you have done your best, you're a winner.
There is no bad weather, just soft runners.
God determines how fast you're going to run; I can help only with the mechanics.
It's easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission.
A teacher is never too smart to learn from his pupils.
I still bother with runners I call hamburgers. They're never going to run any record times. But they can fulfill their own potential.
Several of my critics have said, 'Bowerman just tacks up a piece of paper in the locker room and turns his runners loose.' They're partially right. I do give the athletes a relatively free rein and for good reason. One of my principles is? 'Don't overcoach.'
― Bill Bowerman Quotes
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Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
