Quotes by Avery Brundage

“For too long the world has failed to recognise that the Olympic Games and the Olympic Movement are about fine athletics and fine art.”

“It is the inspiration of the Olympic Games that drives people not only to compete but to improve, and to bring lasting spiritual and moral benefits to the athlete and inspiration to those lucky enough to witness the athletic dedication.”

“To be part of that winning team and standing in the ring for the final decision to be announced is something I will live with for the rest of my life.”

“Olympism is not a system - it is a state of mind. This state of mind has emerged from a double cult: that of effort and that of Eurythmy - a taste of excess and a taste of measure combined.”

“The Olympic Movement gives the world an ideal which reckons with the reality of life, and includes a possibility to guide this reality toward the great Olympic Idea.”

“The six colours, including the white background, represent the colours of all the worlds flags... this is a true international emblem.”

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

“The strength of Olympism comes to it from that which is simply human, hence worldwide is its essence.”

“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.”

“Olympism is a doctrine of the fraternity between the body and the soul.”

“The Olympic Movement is a 20th century religion. Where there is no injustice of caste, of race, of family, of wealth.”

“Sport must be amateur or it is not sport. Sports played professionally are entertainment.”

“The sportsman knows that a sport is a recreation, a game, an amusement and a pastime, but his eyes are fixed on a higher goal, on the most important thing in his life, which is his education or his vocation.”

“The Olympic Games must not be an end in itself, they must be a means of creating a vast programme of physical education and sports competitions for all young people.”

“Sport is an international phenomenon, like science or music.”

“The ancient Greeks kept women athletes out of their games. They wouldnt even let them on the sidelines. Im not sure but that they were right.”

“As soon as you take money for playing sport, it isnt sport, its work.”

“They violated one of the basic principals of the Olympic Games. That politics play no part whatsoever in them.”

“Its too bad that one has to conceive of sports as being the only arena where risks are, [for] all of life is risk exercise. Thats the only way to live more freely, and more interestingly.”

“The problem with winter sports is that - follow me closely here - they generally take place in winter.”