Winning medals wasn't the point of the Olympics. It's the participating that counts.

The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.

The heart of our problem is the selfishness in our heart. The human spirit soars with hope when lifted by an encouraging word. The important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle.

The Olympic Spirit is neither the property of one race nor of one age.

A better world could be brought about only by better individuals.

Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of a good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.

For each individual, sport is a possible source for inner improvement

Olympism... exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, mind and will.

The important thing in life is not victory but combat; it is not to have vanquished but to have fought well.

The essential thing in life is not so much conquering as fighting well.

All sports for all people.

The difference between a life laced through with frustration and one sustained by happiness depends on whether it is motivated by self-hatred or by real love for oneself.

Her smile shames the sun

I hate the hype. When 50 Cent came out, people were saying that he was the best rapper alive: "Oh, he got shot nine times, he's better than Tupac, he's better than Biggie." That was all hype.

The habit patterns of the human mind are very strong and make it seem that the hard way is easy and the easy way is hard.

Vodka has a huge history in Russia, in that it's almost like a currency. It's the one thing that keeps the country in the dark ages and having a rollicking good time.

The blushing cheek speaks modest mind,The lips befitting words most kind,The eye does tempt to love's desire,And seems to, say 'tis "Cupid's fire.

Life cannot be calculated. That's the big mistake our civilization made. We never accepted that randomness is not a mistake in the equation -- it is part of the equation.

No matter who says what, you should accept it with a smile and do your own work.

For now realize that you can change anything you want, but you can't change everything you want.