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"My junior high coach told me that if I was willing, I could be a good athlete. But that wasn't good enough for me. I told everyone that I was going to be the greatest athlete in the world. That became my dream. My family shook their heads in disbelief. Others laughed at me. I didn't care. I knew what the prize was going to be and I was out to get it."

As Milt continued to train, he developed a set of 10 rules to help him center his attention on his goal.

"Whether you are going for a medal, or a better grade, or a spot on a team, there is no magic to the formula. We have to keep our attention centered on what we want to achieve, play by the rules, and work to achieve it. Like the 10 events in the decathlon, I followed 10 rules to achieve my dreams:

Get started by staying healthy -- take care of your body and your health. Leap of faith -- visualize it and take that long jump onto the path of accomplishment. Get rid of negativity -- take your negative thoughts and throw them far away. Set intermediate goals -- reset 'the bar' (your goals) often. Be willing to pay the price -- achievements are seldom easy. Overcome all obstacles -- use enthusiasm and confidence. Proper technique and momentum -- learn the skill and practice the craft. Fly high with the help of a mentor -- seek out and learn from valuable advice. Don't let up -- be persistent. Finish the job!"

"I used all of my 10 rules in training and preparation, and they helped me achieve my dream to be an Olympic champion."

The Olympic Spirit in YOU!
Milt Campbell dreamed about achieving things that at the time seemed impossible. To help you achieve your dreams and goals, do the following exercise:

• Make a list of the things you want to accomplish.
• Use the 10 rules Milt Campbell used as a guide to help you make a plan for achieving the things you want to accomplish.
• Share your plan with people that can help you achieve your goal: your coach, teacher, friend, or parent. They can help you achieve your goal by being your mentor.

More Athletes

Ann Meyers Drysdale Bart Conner Billy Mills Baron Pierre de Coubertin Gail Devers Greg Barton Henry Marsh John Naber

Karch Kiraly Mary Lou Retton Matt Ghaffari Milt Campbell Nadia Comaneci Nancy Hogshead Paul Gonzales Terry Schroeder

For more great stories about Olympians, ask your librarian for books about Olympic spirit, including Awaken the Olympian Within complied by John Naber, and The Olympic Dream and Spirit, Vol. 1, 2, and 3, with Bob Schaller.