Quotes by Willie Shoemaker

“People in the States used to think that if girls were good at sports their sexuality would be affected. Being feminine meant being a cheerleader, not being an athlete. The image of women is changing now. You dont have to be pretty for people to come and see you play. At the same time, if youre a good athlete, it doesnt mean youre not a woman.”

“For an athlete to function properly, he must be intent. There has to be a definite purpose and goal if you are to progress. If you are not intent about what you are doing, you arent able to resist the temptation to do something else that might be more fun at the moment.”

“I learned that the only way you are going to get anywhere in life is to work hard at it. Whether youre a musician, a writer, an athlete or a businessman, there is no getting around it. If you do, youll win - if you dont, you wont.”

“I dont know why people question the academic training of an athlete. Fifty percent of the doctors in this country graduated in the bottom half of their classes.”