Famous quote by Oscar Robertson

"The Olympics were great, because you had to make the team, and then go to the games. Now, I don't know, these guys today don't want to do anything like that"

About this Quote

Oscar Robertson’s reflection draws a sharp distinction between what he perceives as the demanding path to the Olympics during his era and the attitudes of modern athletes. He celebrates the old system’s meritocracy. Making the Olympic team was not guaranteed; athletes had to earn their spot through fierce competition against their peers. The process meant something profound: only the most dedicated and talented were selected. The journey itself, scrapping for a place, enduring tryouts, uncertainty, and hard work, instilled a sense of achievement and camaraderie. There was an honor not just in being at the Olympics, but in the climb it took to arrive.

Robertson’s tone also hints at a disappointment with contemporary trends. He notices a shift in priorities among today’s athletes. Without the arduous qualifying process, perhaps influenced more by NBA collaborations and changes in how teams are selected, there’s the suggestion that participation isn’t as deeply earned. His words “don’t want to do anything like that” express skepticism about the current generation’s willingness to embrace such a difficult, uncertain journey. Implicit is a critique of what he sees as a culture of convenience, an era when stars often weigh personal interests, contracts, or other considerations when thinking about international competition.

Moreover, Robertson is possibly romanticizing the past, thinking of a time when national pride and personal sacrifice were more closely linked. Underlying his statement is the belief that real greatness and team unity are forged in overcoming obstacles together, rather than in assembling a roster of superstars after an effortless selection. The quote mourns what he perceives as a lost sense of struggle and communal commitment. In nostalgia for the old Olympic preparation, Robertson calls attention to values like perseverance, collective effort, and personal sacrifice, seeing in them the soul of what athletics and national representation should be.

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USA Flag This quote is from Oscar Robertson somewhere between November 24, 1938 and today. He/she was a famous Athlete from USA. The author also have 29 other quotes.
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