If you’re looking for motivational quotes for athletes, you’re reading the right article. Of all the people in the world, athletes are the ones who seem to understand the concept of motivation more than anyone else. After all, they wake up each morning trying to beat their own records.

Sometimes, however, their coach's so-called motivational speech loses its effectiveness. It's a good thing that there are motivational quotes for athletes who are in need of encouragement.

Even if you're just starting out or you've already made a name for yourself, you will be inspired by these motivational quotes for athletes. These words of wisdom will help you improve not only your skill, but your overall personality as well.

" It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog." - Magic Johnson, NBA star

There comes a time in every athlete's life when he or she comes across an opponent who takes him or her by surprise.

If you're smaller than the usual build for athletes in your arena, you have to remember that how much you weigh - or how tall you are - is not always directly proportional to the amount of skill you have.

If you're a big person, use your size to your advantage. However, you still have to watch out for the small guy who just might run circles around you.

"Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent." - Marilyn vos Savant, Columnist

Never giving up is one of the foremost motivational quotes for athletes. Even if your team got squashed by your rival school, that doesn't spell the end of everything.

You'll just have to learn from your mistakes, move on, and train even harder for the next event. Even old timers are making a comeback to follow their dreams.

"To give any less than your best is to sacrifice a gift." - Steve Prefontaine, runner

Don't be so modest about your talents. While nobody likes an arrogant athlete, you'll never be able to come into your own unless you acknowledge your skill.

So if you have really fast legs, give them the training they deserve. Don't slack off or skip practice. Help yourself become the best athlete you can be and take advantage of your natural abilities.

" The harder you work, the luckier you get." - Gary Player, golfer

This is one of the most overlooked motivational quotes for athletes. There's beginner's luck - and even dumb luck - in this world. But what you really want to have is true luck.

True luck is something you create for yourself. As an athlete, you have the chance to increase your luck by training yourself to your full potential. It's you increasing the odds of winning in your favor.

"You can't make a great play unless you do it first in practice." - Chuck Noll

As an athlete, practice could get a little boring. But if you are really serious about improving your skill, then even practice should be taken seriously.

How else would you know your strengths and weaknesses? You can't always expect to perform your best spontaneously during a game without proper practice.

It doesn't matter whether you play by yourself or you play with a team, motivational quotes for athletes will still help you get by.