"I'd rather get a nice warmup suit. That's something I can use. Gold medals just sit there. When I get old, maybe I could sell them if I need the money"

This quote by Eric Heiden talks to the concept that material possessions can be more valuable than honors or accolades. Heiden suggests that a warmup fit is something he can make use of, whereas gold medals simply sit there. Heiden suggests that the warmup fit is much more practical as well as helpful than the gold medals, which are only symbolic. He additionally suggests that when he gets old, he can offer the gold medals if he needs the cash, implying that the gold medals are not as useful as the warmup suit. This quote talks with the idea that product ownerships can be better than awards or distinctions, and that usefulness ought to be taken into consideration when making decisions.