The joint lubrication was not what it was when I was competing, and I decided that not having arthritis or rheumatism for the rest of my life was a lot more important to me than returning to the track.
Meaning of the quote
When I was competing, my joints felt a lot smoother and worked better. But as I got older, my joints didn't move as easily anymore. I realized that staying healthy and avoiding painful conditions like arthritis or rheumatism was much more important to me than going back to compete on the track. Even though I loved competing, my health and being able to move without pain became the priority for the rest of my life.
About Edwin Moses
Edwin Moses was a legendary American hurdler who won gold medals in the 400m hurdles at the 1976 and 1984 Olympics. Between 1977 and 1987, he won an astonishing 107 consecutive finals and set the world record in the event four times. He was also an innovative reformer in the areas of Olympic eligibility and drug testing, and served as the first Chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy.
More quotes from Edwin Moses
I didn’t get an athletics scholarship at a major school.
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My father was also a principal of a school and mother was a curriculum advisor. Both were educators.
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Stretching was a major part of my preparation.
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I always had to keep improving my skills in order to remain competitive and keep winning.
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My concentration level blocks out everything. Concentration is why some athletes are better than others. You develop that concentration in training and concentrate in a meet.
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I went to Moorehouse College. There was no track and field there.
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The joint lubrication was not what it was when I was competing, and I decided that not having arthritis or rheumatism for the rest of my life was a lot more important to me than returning to the track.
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I overcame size with mechanics.
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In digital world, sport provides opportunity to bring people together.
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Both parents supported my becoming a world class athlete.
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I was always more of an academic than a jock.
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My father was an all-American football player.
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Lots of people let it go by and never accomplish what they want. I just wanted to see what I could do.
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I was always a mean and lean athlete – not tall – not large.
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In particular, I studied German and Russian biomechanics.
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I wanted to go to medical school. But, I never got a college scholarship.
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I used biomechanics to save time when I was competing.
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One of my major competitors was Harold Smith. Smith beat me in 1977. I was loafing during that competition.
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I always got my work done before playing.
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I never struggled with injury problems because of my preparation – in particular my stretching.
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