Three Motivational Quotes That Drove Me to Olympic Success

The Power of Words

Some people underestimate the power of words. But for me, the right words at the right time have made all the difference in my journey as an athlete. Over the years, I’ve relied on a few key phrases to keep me focused, motivated, and resilient—so much so that I set them as my phone screensaver during different Olympic cycles.

Each of these quotes carried a different meaning at different times in my career, but they all helped me push through tough moments and stay on track towards my goals.

1. “Every day is another chance to make a dream come true.”

I had this as my screensaver in the build-up to Rio 2016, my first Olympics. At that point, I was in completely uncharted territory, trying to become Jamaica’s first male Olympic diver. The pressure was high, and I had a million reasons to doubt myself.

This quote was a reminder that every single day mattered. Even if I wasn’t feeling my best, I could still take a step forward—whether that was refining my technique, improving my mindset, or simply showing up and putting in the work.

🔹 Every session, big or small, contributes to the bigger goal.
🔹 Even on bad days, progress is still progress.
🔹 If you show up consistently, your dreams get closer every single day.

2. “You reap what you sow.”

In the lead-up to Tokyo 2020, this was my go-to quote. It’s a simple concept—what you put in now will pay off later—but it became especially meaningful during lockdown.

Training at home was tough. I couldn’t be in the pool, I couldn’t dive, and everything felt uncertain. But I reminded myself that the work I put in now—whether that was physical conditioning, mental training, or staying disciplined in my routine—would benefit me at the right time. And it did. When I got back in the pool, I was fitter, stronger, and mentally sharper than before.

🔹 Hard work doesn’t always pay off immediately, but it always adds up.
🔹 Trust the process, even when results aren’t instant.
🔹 Discipline in tough times builds strength for when it really matters.

3. “Belief is power.”

For the Paris 2024 cycle, my focus shifted. By this stage, I had enough experience. I knew I trained hard. I had developed the skills I needed. But one thing remained—the ability to back myself when it mattered most.

This quote reminded me that belief is the missing ingredient. I’d seen it so many times—athletes with incredible ability fall short because they doubted themselves, and others with slightly less ability succeed simply because they believed they could.

🔹 Belief turns preparation into performance.
🔹 Confidence isn’t arrogance; it’s trust in the work you’ve put in.
🔹 Sometimes, the only thing holding you back is your own mindset.

Shifting Your Mindset

These three quotes became more than just words on a screen; they became part of my mindset. They guided my approach to training, competing, and overcoming challenges.

Whatever your goal is—whether in sport, business, or personal growth—the right words can act as a powerful reminder of why you’re doing what you do. So, what’s your go-to motivational quote? Let me know in the comments below, share this with a friend who might need a boost, and tell me what topic you’d like me to cover next!