--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I have only ever done athletics. I was…" description: "\"I have only ever done athletics. I was only average at school and I have never done any other sport.\" — Eliud Kipchoge" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e8c/eliud-kipchoge-13861_athletics_i-have-only-ever-done-athletics-i-was-on_302681.jpg" --- # I have only ever done athletics. I was only average at… ![“I have only ever done athletics. I was only average at school and I have never done any other sport.” quote by Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e8c/eliud-kipchoge-13861_athletics_i-have-only-ever-done-athletics-i-was-on_302681.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e8c/eliud-kipchoge-13861_athletics_i-have-only-ever-done-athletics-i-was-on_302681.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e8c/eliud-kipchoge-13861_athletics_i-have-only-ever-done-athletics-i-was-on_302681.jpg) > “I have only ever done athletics. I was only average at school and I have never done any other sport.” [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Specializing in one sport can lead to mastery, even if academic performance is average. **In simple terms:** Focus on one passion yields expertise. Key Takeaway Dedicate fully to your chosen field. Themes sports dedication mastery focus discipline Mood determined proud Type inspirational philosophical When to use this quote - training regimen - team selection - career planning Key Concepts specialization athletic identity performance psychology Questions to Reflect On - What does specialization cost you? - Can you balance sport with other pursuits? A Different Perspective Over‑specialization may limit broader opportunities. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Athletics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/athletics/) [Athletics Average](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/athletics-average-2887906/) [Average](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/average/) [Average School](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/average-school-2887907/) [Done](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/done/) [Never](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/never/) [Only](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/only/) [School](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/school/) [School Sport](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/school-sport-1678375/) [Sports](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sports/) ## Related quotes > [They called me 'Mr. Average' in school.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-ashcroft/they-called-me-mr-average-in-school/) [Richard Ashcroft](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-ashcroft/) > [“A lot of people have it in for me. It's practically a school sport.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nenia-campbell/a-lot-of-people-have-it-in-for-me-it-s-practically-a-school-sport/) [Nenia Campbell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nenia-campbell/) > [I love how when your in high school and when your on a sport team you are one big family!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-love-how-when-your-in-high-school-and-when-your-on-a-sport-team-you/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I was very sporty at school, and sport was probably the thing I was best at, but my real passion was for fashion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kirsty-gallacher/i-was-very-sporty-at-school-and-sport-was-probably-the-thing-i-was/) [Kirsty Gallacher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kirsty-gallacher/) > [The government should have something in place where, in school, they see what sport you are most suited for, and it should be mandatory…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dillian-whyte/the-government-should-have-something-in-place-where-in-school-they/) [Dillian Whyte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dillian-whyte/) > [When I was in school, sport was given utmost importance. I think it's fantastic for character building, for team playing, and I think it's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abhishek-bachchan/when-i-was-in-school-sport-was-given-utmost-importance-i-think-it-s/) [Abhishek Bachchan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abhishek-bachchan/) > [Athletics is not so much about the legs. It's about the heart and mind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/athletics-is-not-so-much-about-the-legs-it-s-about-the-heart-and-mind/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [And with alphabetical irony Nigeria follows New Zealand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-coleman/and-with-alphabetical-irony-nigeria-follows-new-zealand/) [David Coleman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-coleman/) > [Everyone is an athlete. The only difference is that some of us are in training, and some are not.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-a-sheehan/everyone-is-an-athlete-the-only-difference-is-that-some-of-us-are-in/) [George A. Sheehan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-a-sheehan/) > [While receiving radiation treatment for a thyroid illness, I had refused to take beta-blockers - a medication that would have eased its side effects…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gail-devers/while-receiving-radiation-treatment-for-a-thyroid-illness-i-had/) [Gail Devers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gail-devers/) > [If you have the sense of participation in sports or athletics, of being a player, then you are not really into the Zen mind.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/if-you-have-the-sense-of-participation-in-sports-or-athletics-of/) [Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/) > [The Games have been decimated. If you take away the Eastern Bloc, you take away 50% of the medals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ron-pickering/the-games-have-been-decimated-if-you-take-away-the-eastern-bloc-you/) [Ron Pickering](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ron-pickering/) > [There are only two options regarding commitment; you’re either in or you’re out.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pat-riley/there-are-only-two-options-regarding-commitment-you-re-either-in-or/) [Pat Riley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pat-riley/) > [Combining the experience of a seasoned university president with the analysis of a respected legal scholar, Derek Bok explores what he concludes are 'signs…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-h-t-rhodes/combining-the-experience-of-a-seasoned-university-president-with-the/) [Frank H. T. Rhodes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-h-t-rhodes/) > [We want to promote the great quality of athletics - and maintain it's integrity - all over the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alberto-juantorena/we-want-to-promote-the-great-quality-of-athletics-and-maintain-it-s/) [Alberto Juantorena](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alberto-juantorena/) ## More by Eliud Kipchoge > [I'm confident to say that if you want to grow in a profession, consistency is the key... I'm strict about my work goals and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/i-m-confident-to-say-that-if-you-want-to-grow-in-a-profession/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [The best time to plant a tree was 25 years ago. The second-best time to plant a tree is today.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/the-best-time-to-plant-a-tree-was-25-years-ago-the-second-best-time/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [If you have that belief - pure belief in your heart - that you want to be successful then you can talk to your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/if-you-have-that-belief-pure-belief-in-your-heart-that-you-want-to-be/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [I always tell people that this is a really simple deal: Work hard. If you work hard, follow what's required and set your priorities…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/i-always-tell-people-that-this-is-a-really-simple-deal-work-hard-if/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [My mind is always free. My mind is flexible.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/my-mind-is-always-free-my-mind-is-flexible/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [I got into running when I was being mentored by my coach. I tried it and developed a passion for it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/i-got-into-running-when-i-was-being-mentored-by-my-coach-i-tried-it/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [My first competition outside Kenya was at the 2002 world cross country championships in Dublin, Ireland. I finished fifth in the junior race that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/my-first-competition-outside-kenya-was-at-the-2002-world-cross/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [I want to run with a relaxed mind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/i-want-to-run-with-a-relaxed-mind/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [If you train with fast athletes, it keeps you pushing. I know that good preparation is more important than everything else.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/if-you-train-with-fast-athletes-it-keeps-you-pushing-i-know-that-good/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [Vienna is a city where they love sports.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/vienna-is-a-city-where-they-love-sports/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [I always say: a run in the morning is like eating a fruit a day - it chases he doctor away. It is good…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/i-always-say-a-run-in-the-morning-is-like-eating-a-fruit-a-day-it/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [I think 1:59 is something a human being can run. Or 1:58. Who knows?! If someone trains very well and thinks in a good…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/i-think-1-59-is-something-a-human-being-can-run-or-1-58-who-knows-if/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [No human is limited.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/no-human-is-limited/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [I want to stay for a long time and leave a mark so the young generation can aspire to be at the top like…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/i-want-to-stay-for-a-long-time-and-leave-a-mark-so-the-young/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) > [If you want to break through, your mind should be able to control your body. Your mind should be a part of your fitness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eliud-kipchoge/if-you-want-to-break-through-your-mind-should-be-able-to-control-your/) [Eliud Kipchoge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) [Explore all 49 Eliud Kipchoge quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eliud-kipchoge/) ## More Athletics quotes > [We want to promote the great quality of athletics - and maintain it's integrity - all over the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alberto-juantorena/we-want-to-promote-the-great-quality-of-athletics-and-maintain-it-s/) [Alberto Juantorena](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alberto-juantorena/) > [Combining the experience of a seasoned university president with the analysis of a respected legal scholar, Derek Bok explores what he concludes are 'signs…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-h-t-rhodes/combining-the-experience-of-a-seasoned-university-president-with-the/) [Frank H. T. Rhodes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-h-t-rhodes/) > [There are only two options regarding commitment; you’re either in or you’re out.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pat-riley/there-are-only-two-options-regarding-commitment-you-re-either-in-or/) [Pat Riley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pat-riley/) > [The Games have been decimated. If you take away the Eastern Bloc, you take away 50% of the medals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ron-pickering/the-games-have-been-decimated-if-you-take-away-the-eastern-bloc-you/) [Ron Pickering](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ron-pickering/) > [If you have the sense of participation in sports or athletics, of being a player, then you are not really into the Zen mind.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/if-you-have-the-sense-of-participation-in-sports-or-athletics-of/) [Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/) > [While receiving radiation treatment for a thyroid illness, I had refused to take beta-blockers - a medication that would have eased its side effects…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gail-devers/while-receiving-radiation-treatment-for-a-thyroid-illness-i-had/) [Gail Devers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gail-devers/) > [Everyone is an athlete. The only difference is that some of us are in training, and some are not.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-a-sheehan/everyone-is-an-athlete-the-only-difference-is-that-some-of-us-are-in/) [George A. Sheehan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-a-sheehan/) > [And with alphabetical irony Nigeria follows New Zealand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-coleman/and-with-alphabetical-irony-nigeria-follows-new-zealand/) [David Coleman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-coleman/) > [The very advanced practitioners of martial arts never had to raise a hand. They could knock an opponent down without physically touching them, just…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/the-very-advanced-practitioners-of-martial-arts-never-had-to-raise-a/) [Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/) > [There's discussion in athletics about how sport - where they say 'SportsCenter' has ruined the fundamentals of basketball because it's - it only applauds…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dan-pfeiffer/there-s-discussion-in-athletics-about-how-sport-where-they-say/) [Dan Pfeiffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dan-pfeiffer/) > [In the game of Frisbee you throw the disk to someone else. The point of Frisbee is perfect communication. The person at the other…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/in-the-game-of-frisbee-you-throw-the-disk-to-someone-else-the-point/) [Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/) > [Physical perfection, working out, adds to your spiritual perfection if that is your intent.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/physical-perfection-working-out-adds-to-your-spiritual-perfection-if/) [Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/) > [If you get a great wife who understands the demands of someone in athletics, I think that's important.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tony-romo/if-you-get-a-great-wife-who-understands-the-demands-of-someone-in/) [Tony Romo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tony-romo/) > [Few would deny that blacks have become very dominant in athletics: football, basketball, track, now dominant in tennis and dominant in golf.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jesse-jackson/few-would-deny-that-blacks-have-become-very-dominant-in-athletics/) [Jesse Jackson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jesse-jackson/) > [Participating in athletics gives all students an opportunity to learn about themselves, to compete, to negotiate with a team and learn skills that are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/miguel-cardona/participating-in-athletics-gives-all-students-an-opportunity-to-learn/) [Miguel Cardona](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/miguel-cardona/) [Browse all 347 Athletics quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/athletics/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I have only ever done athletics. 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