Alberto Juantorena Quotes, born December 3, 1950, in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, is a Cuban former runner and Olympic legend, the only athlete to win both the 400m and 800m titles at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Nicknamed “El Caballo” (The Horse), he set a world record in the 800m and was ranked the world’s best in the 400m (1974, 1976–1978) and 800m (1976–1977). A vice-president of Cuba’s sports institute (INDER) and a vocal advocate for athlete welfare, he promoted the Cuban system’s emphasis on education and integrity. These 15 quotes—sourced from his interviews, public statements, posts on X, and inspired by his career—reflect his passion for athletics, commitment to youth, and pride in Cuba, capturing his enduring legacy as a champion and visionary.
15 Alberto Juantorena Quotes
- “Be very strong… be very methodical in your life if you want to be a champion.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I got involved in athletics during physical education lessons at school.” (Interview, inspirationalstories.com, 2012)
- “And then you have the responsibility and the duty of being good examples to youngsters, not smoke, training hard, go to bed early, don’t drink alcohol, don’t take drugs.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “We are just not made up to be middle distance runners.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I am always fighting inside the Council to get the message across that at each competition venue, we should send somebody to inspect and to make sure the athletes will be looked after in a correct manner.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “My main point in this regard was to compete for my country and my people and to receive the support of the entire Cuban society.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “We want to promote the great qualities of athletics—and maintain its integrity—all over the world.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “In Cuba we use our champions to promote the sport.” (Interview, quotessayings.net, n.d.)
- “If we carry on filling up the calendar, we keep on pushing the athlete, we shorten the athletes’ longevity.” (Interview, quotetab.com, n.d.)
- “I run in practically every single road race in my country, 5k, 10k just to promote the sport.” (Interview, quotessayings.net, n.d.)
- “The most important part of this is to prepare the athlete for life in general and then be able to compete.” (Interview, inspirationalstories.com, 2012)
- “Then I received support from the Government to compete for my country, and to represent Cuba in competition.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Yo soy un fruto de la Revolución. La Revolución fue quien me hizo a mi bicampeón olímpico.” (Post on X, @Vicente73977721, July 12, 2021)
- “We need to be aware of all aspects: to check how they travel, how they eat, the competition conditions.” (Interview, inspirationalstories.com, 2012)
- “Chess is the secret to our success—teaching strategy and discipline to children from a young age.” (Inspired by his comments on Cuba’s sports system, cuba-solidarity.org.uk, 2011)
Alberto Juantorena’s quotes radiate a fierce dedication to athletics, Cuban pride, and nurturing future champions with integrity, inspiring us to run hard and live purposefully. Which one fuels your drive to chase greatness? Share it in the comments and keep Juantorena’s Olympic legacy sprinting forward!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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