Coached Quote by Abhinav Bindra
“When I started out as a 12-13 year old, it was a stupid idea. I remember when I went to try to get coached by Heinz Reinkemeier and my coach Gaby, when I went and met them, India was nowhere in shooting. They said, 'you want to win a gold at the Olympics? Why don't you ride an elephant back home?'”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Sports magazine feature, 2005
Early attempts at elite training can feel absurd, but perseverance and humility are essential when faced with unrealistic expectations.
In simple terms: Early training can seem foolish, yet persistence matters.
Embrace humility and keep striving despite ridicule.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- training camps
- competition preparation
- mental resilience
- goal setting
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What personal setbacks have taught you resilience?
- How do you balance confidence with realistic expectations?
Not all advice fits every athlete; context matters.