Al Oerter quotes:

I don't compete with other discus throwers. I compete with my own history.

So what if I never win my fifth gold medal; It's only one end of the string. It's competing that matters. It's proving that there is a place for guys like me in sports. It's a persona challenge to extend myself.

Competition in its best form is a test of self. It has nothing to do with medals. The winner is the person who gets the most out of themselves.

I don't think the discus will ever attract any interest until they let us start throwing them at each other.

To exercise at or near capacity is the best way I know of reaching a true introspective state. If you do it right, it can open all kinds of inner doors.

I don't think the discus will ever attract any interest until they let us start throwing them at one another.

As long as I can concentrate and remain somewhat calm, I can normally do very well.

There's no substitute for work. There are no shortcuts. There are no secrets.