Bill Toomey

American Athlete

About Bill Toomey

William Anthony Toomey (born January 10, 1939) is an American former track and field competitor and the 1968 Olympic decathlon champion.

He won 23 of the 38 decathlons he competed in, scoring over 8,000 points a dozen times. He was on the cover of the October 1969 issue of Track and Field News.

Toomey was head coach in track and field at the University of California at Irvine in the early 1970s. Before that he worked as a television broadcaster and marketing consultant.

Toomey also competed in Masters Track and Field.

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Quotes by Bill Toomey

A buddy will keep you honest and add a dimension of fun to your workout.

Bill Toomey

A key factor is to do training that is fun.

Bill Toomey

Actually, the moment of victory is wonderful, but also sad. It means that your trip is ended.

Bill Toomey

Anabolic steroids were not banned until after the 72 Olympics.

Bill Toomey

As I mentioned previously, the tools that allow for optimum health are diet and exercise.

Bill Toomey

Athens will again be the host of the Games in 2004, but there are rumors that they might be switched if the Greeks don’t begin to construct the sites faster.

Bill Toomey

During the 60’s, drug use was in fashion in the U.S.

Bill Toomey

I have competed before empty stadiums a lot in my career.

Bill Toomey

I have read many studies out of the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and they demonstrated that Vitamin E, Co-Q-10, and Fish Oil could protect the immune system of athletes and prevent disease.

Bill Toomey

I think that money has changed my sport.

Bill Toomey

If it were easy, it would have no value.

Bill Toomey

It is always possible to improve.

Bill Toomey

My family knew, but most of the sporting world did not realize that my right hand been some 75% paralyzed.

Bill Toomey

My Olympic voyage has continued because it is so rewarding.

Bill Toomey

Nutrition is also a valuable component that can help athletes both protect themselves and improve performance.

Bill Toomey

Olympians are the product of the Movement, and to get them to the stadiums, pools and playing fields, it takes the actions of legions of people who might not be Olympians.

Bill Toomey

Once you have selected a sport or a creative activity, the rules are pretty much the same.

Bill Toomey

One of the key elements is the ability to be honest with yourself.

Bill Toomey

Past Olympians have a continuing role within the Olympic family.

Bill Toomey

Realize that from the start, every activity that comprises the journey has value and the ability to teach you something.

Bill Toomey

The ability to mingle with so many countries and cultures is extremely valuable for men and women.

Bill Toomey

The Ancient Games are relatively obscure to most Olympians, but to understand just what the Games are about, it is really necessary to investigate the roots and the meaning that has transformed culture and society for so many years.

Bill Toomey

The East Germans first used biomechanics. This meant that rather than guessing about technique and form, they could apply changes to athletic performance based on science.

Bill Toomey

The fans and supporters are also part of the Olympic family.

Bill Toomey

The greatest feeling of accomplishment for me is the fact that I was an athlete who was somewhat disabled.

Bill Toomey

The Olympic Games of the Modern Era began in 1896 in the city of Athens.

Bill Toomey

The Olympic movement is divided into two very distinct eras.

Bill Toomey

Then in a fraction of a second, I realized that these sportsmen were not anyone’s enemies.

Bill Toomey

There is no one magic move or secret that creates victory, but lots of little items that when added together can make you victorious.

Bill Toomey

Those of us who participate realize the incredible honor bestowed on us, but to really understand the true scope and depth of the movement requires more investigation and concentration.

Bill Toomey

Too many athletes do not admit their weaknesses.

Bill Toomey

Too many athletes don’t have the ability to set a goal and then carefully go towards it.

Bill Toomey

Understand from top to bottom what the effort requires.

Bill Toomey

We have made drugs an Olympic event. It receives most of the coverage at the Games and even the suspicion of guilt can ruin a reputation for life.

Bill Toomey

Whatever pursuit you undertake, the requirements should start with a love of what it is that you are pursuing.

Bill Toomey

When I competed, it was for honor and country. It was a privilege to be a part of the U.S. team.

Bill Toomey