#kaylaharrison

It's no wonder mantras are deeply rooted in religions all around the world. To repeat these meaningful words is a deeply meditative and personal experience, one that can fill you with hope, fire and inspiration. Repeating your mantra in your head while competing can distract you from pain, and can help push you further than you ever thought you could go. There's little doubt that mantras are the fuel of champions.

Ten Athletic Champions from various sports share their personal mantras. Try one on for size, and then invent your own perfect words that keep you inspired healthy and strong.

"Falling in life is inevitable—staying down is optional."

-Carrie Johnson, Olympic Sprint Canoer

"Keep calm and carry on."

-Betsey Armstrong, Olympic Gold medal winning U.S. water polo Goalkeeper

"Go, go, go, go." 

-Morgan Mitchell, Australian 4x400 Olympic sprinter

"Someone out there is training harder, faster, stronger." 

-Ali Krieger, U.S. FIFA women's world cup Champion

"Tell me I can't, and I will show you I can." 

-Carmen Marton, Australia's First Taekwondo World Champion

"On and Up." 

-Chelsea Jaensch, Australian Track and Field Olympian Specializing in the Long Jump

"Steady, ready, poised, winning."

-Arielle Martin, Professional U.S. BMX cyclist.

“These are not sacrifices, but investments.”

-Gwen Jorgensen, world triathlete series champion

"Look good, feel good, do good." 

-Amanda Bingson, Olympic Hammer thrower who still holds the world record for furthest hammer throw.

"Failure is Fuel." 

-Kayla Harrison Judo Olympic gold medalist and world champion

Feeling Inspired? Now get out there and kick some butt! Now for my favorite mantra that got me through a triathlon and all the training leading up to it - “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger.” (Thanks Daft Punk.)

Written by C.L. Brenton

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