Quotes from Hima Das

If you want to achieve something great, you have to work hard for it. It is as simple as that.

I thrive in competition. It feels good to improve timings and create records.

I want for every child - regardless of their background, gender, caste, etc. - to be able to access schools that are safe and supportive so that they can learn and thrive.

People have now started recognizing me as well as my family.

A player needs recovery time, and it isn't possible to recover from one race in an hour.

Everyone needs to support AFI. Since they are doing an excellent job, we need to reach greater heights.

The biggest challenge of my career has always been to improve my timing, and it will always be so.

For every athlete, Olympics is the target, but mine is a little different. I am focusing on improving my timing; that's what I think about.

My only aim is to clock a time that everyone remembers.

Nothing concerns me other than my time. That is my only concern. I don't pay any attention to the rest. I run after time. If that improves, the gold, silver, etc. will follow.

When brands advertise with sports players, it inspires people to be part of and play sport.

I have the love and blessings of Indians and my family and I have faith in my own hard work and training. That is all I need.

What I think is about running faster and faster, and I believe that will translate into medals.

It is a great feeling that I am the first Indian to win a gold medal in track event in world juniors.

When I was in Class II, we used to walk about 5 km. to school. I did not know of Olympics or even athletics then. One day, a friend went in a car and left me behind. I was so angry, I wanted to run and outrace the car. I ran so fast that I tripped and fractured my knee.

I am hurt that some people criticise very harshly without even realising the hardships which we go through.

I love Messi. I also derive inspiration from the god of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar.

The ultimate dream of an athlete is to compete in the Olympics. For us athletes, that is the zenith. There is nothing beyond that.

The first 300 m., I go slow and pick up speed at the bend. That's Hima's style.

I don't think about medals. I just think of bettering my own time.

My paternal uncle and aunt have jobs, and they are the ones who feed the family with a regular income.

My attitude is different. And no one understands me the way my friends do.

My English isn't that good, maybe just 40 per cent fine by normal standards.

I was naughty but never demanding. I never asked my parents for shoes or tracksuits. I was happy with what I had.