29 Most Motivational & Inspirational Sports Quotes Of All Time

We’ve collected together our favourite sports quotes of all time, designed to motivate you to the next level whether you are competing with yourself or others. Check them out below, and feel the good vibes.

OK, while not exactly a sporting quote, it is a quote that lights a fire under you. Just like the great Rocky refused to give up, you should use the words of wisdom to push through when life gets tough.

Sometimes we forget in competition that winning isn’t everything. Lombardi may not have asked for winners, but he certainly produced them at the Green Bay Packers, instilling in them the importance of trying hard and persevering.

The legendary Gretzky isn’t one to shy away when it comes to the rink, and he takes that gung-ho attitude into his coaching career too. Here’s one of his legendary quotes, which sums up his love of taking risks.

For those of you feeling a little bit over the hill today, remember this quote from Jackie Joyner-Kersee and get out there and do something that makes you happy, whatever your age.

Baseball player Banks was a big fish in a small pond as he played in a beleaguered Chicago Cubs team who hadn’t been to a world series since 1945. He won back to back National MVPs and is remembered for his positive attitude.

One for all you gym bunnies out there looking to gain some muscle and tone up. Fitness instructor Devito believes so much in this mantra that he’s had it printed on his t-shirts to remind himself to keep working hard.

The Wizard of Westwood is known for his short, inspirational messages to his players, and they must have worked a charm – he coached his team to 10 NCAA Championships over 12 years with UCLA.

The Rock is not only a sports entertainer but put his hard work and determination towards a Hollywood career. He also works like a beast in the gym to get his impressive bod. Proof that if you put in the effort, you will be rewarded.

Sometimes motivation fails you, and you can’t help but sit on the couch with a huge tub of ice cream and watch Netflix reruns. When the mood takes you like this, dust off your trainers and get back in the gym. Your body will thank you for it.

John Wooden really was a spot on guy when it came to motivation, leading UCLA to many NCAA wins during his time there. Here’s a little reminder to get up and seize the day, hit the gym and work on a masterpiece of your own.

Usain Bolt knows just what to do with all that negative energy people throw at him. He turns it into something positive and uses it as motivation to prove them wrong. And what a job he’s done at it.

Boxer Jack Dempsey never gave up a day in his life, and it showed. Not only was he a champion in the ring, but a champion out of it too; donating lots of cash to charitable causes.

This great Nike quote just reminds you of the importance in not giving up on something you love. Work hard, play hard, and be competitive and you will achieve your dreams.

We’re not sure who said this, but truer words have never been spoken. Put the effort into your fitness – and your life in general – and you will be rewarded. Now where did I put my kettlebell?

Sometimes exercise isn’t enjoyable, but you have to look at the bigger picture like Muhammad Ali did. All his perseverance in training paid off in the end, and he’s remembered as a legend.

Not only is the quote motivating, but look at those guns! Here are a few words to get you off your couch and onto the treadmill. Don’t give up; you have the power within to change.

Sometimes we totally kill our mood by remembering our bad performances from the day before. Maybe you’re dealing with an injury, and you’re not your best, maybe you were just tired. Either way, yesterday was yesterday. Deal with today and smash it!

Sometimes all the motivation you need is someone congratulating you for moving. You may be jealous that your friends are all Netflix and chill, but you’re all toned abs and butt. Now, whose winning?

Don’t be a person full of excuses. If you don’t want to do something, don’t. If you do…well, I guess you do them. Krzyzewski is a real doer, winning 11 coaching awards and 5 NCAA Div I Championships with his teams.

Being skinny is so old hat, it’s much better to be strong, powerful and fit, whether you’re male or female. Head down to the gym and deadlift and squat to your hearts content. Your body will thank you for it.

Have you ever really sat down to consider what an efficient machine your body is? All machines need the right fuel and tuning up, though, so fill it with healthy food to give you energy and keep it in good shape through regular exercise.

Gymnast Olga Korbut understands the power of willpower over physical limitations. Sometimes you’re biggest battle is with yourself rather than with others.

Ali really did have some pearls of wisdom – like this one. Sometimes you can set yourself up for a big battle and overlook the little things in the fight. Sometimes the battle is with yourself.

Here’s a nice little mantra for you. Work hard and show willpower and who knows what you can achieve? Fame, fortune…or maybe just a healthy bod. Either way, it’s win-win.

Jackson is one of the few sports stars to be named an All-Star in two sports (baseball and football) and is known for his never give up attitude. After a hip injury had ended his football career, Bo took to the diamond and shared similar success there.

Regardless of what you think of his doping issues, Armstrong is one determined man, fighting through stage three cancer and living to tell the tale and becoming a world-renowned cyclist. It just goes to show there’s no quit in him.

Speed demon Andretti is one of only two drivers to have won Formula one, NASCAR, Indycar and World Sportscar Championship races. So if anyone knows about living life at maximum speed, it’s him.

This quote from footballing legend Pele reminds us that it’s nice to win, but those victories that are hard-fought are all the sweeter for the amount of effort put in. Pele was always one to put in maximum effort on the pitch, which saw him raise Jules Rimet three times!

Biondi knows all about extraordinary achievements. He has won a total of 11 Olympic gold medals for swimming over five different events. His persistence has also led to him becoming a member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Just goes to show that with hard work, anything is possible.