Gather courage and inspiration from the words of these amazing athletes

Can they motivate you to finally start that fitness regimen you’ve been trying to get into but haven’t gotten around to actually doing? Hopefully the words of these great men and women will ignite a spark in you.

5. Bronte Barratt, Australia

When it comes to reaching your own goals, yours is the only record you have to beat.

“It’s not about winning at the Olympic Games; it’s about trying to win. The motto is faster, higher, stronger; not fastest, highest, strongest. Sometimes it’s the trying that matters.”

Bronte won silver in the Women’s 4x200m freestyle relay swimming event in the Rio Olympics.

4. Jake Dalton, USA

Achy feet, mild cough and slight sleep deprivation are no excuses to skip a workout you promised yourself.

“I went from having surgery to being one of the top 15 men in the country by the age of 17. That shows me how much you can improve if you really want something bad enough.”

Despite just recovering from a shoulder injury from last year, Jake qualified among the top 15 entrants for the USA gymnastics team for the Rio Olympics.

3. Allyson Felix, USA

A little tired now is a little stronger next time.

“I always want to give more than I gave yesterday.”

Allyson won gold in the Women’s 4x100m relay and Women’s 4x400m relay, and silver in the Women’s 400m running events in the Rio Olympics.

2. Oksana Chusovitina, Uzbekistan

The body has no limitations when the will is strong.

“On the podium, everyone is the same whether you are 40 or 16.”

Oksana, 41, has competed in 7 Olympic Games, including this year’s Rio Olympics. This year, she attempted the Produnova, which is widely known to be the most difficult vault to perform in professional gymnastics.

Oksana competed with athletes more than 30 years younger than her, which proves age is but a number.

1. Michael Phelps, USA

You don’t start getting fit by only doing the easiest regimens—you have to sweat and ache.

“Goals should never be easy: they should force you to work, even if they are uncomfortable at the time.”

Michael is the most decorated Olympian of all time.