RJ Barrett Quotes

You know my dad pushed me to believe that I was going to be the best. I just never thought of life without tennis, even looking forward.

For me it was a normality having a father who was a world champion. I grew up with that, so it was never extra pressure. And I've never felt the need to emerge from his shadow.

My dad was my first coach and drove me extremely hard from a very young age.

Being a coach's son, they're hard on you. When you say you want to be great, they do everything they can do to put you in that position.

One of my brothers, Eric, who is one year older than me, was actually the first one to start boxing, and being the youngest sibling, I wanted to do what he did, so I pushed my parents to let me join.

Being an Olympian, I always have this strong belief in excellence.

My jersey hanging from the ceiling is going to be a symbol of the hard work of the people I played with.

I wanted to emulate my parents - Mum captained India in basketball, and Dad won a bronze in hockey in 1972 Olympics. My focus has always been to achieve excellence whether in the field of tennis, in the corporate field, in the art of acting or in motivating youngsters.

The Olympics are only once every four years, so you have to take advantage of all your opportunities, both to be an inspiration to people and help support your sponsors who help you.

I will never reach the success that my dad has felt.

To say that my dad pushed me is an understatement. I was never naturally drawn to football.

I've always been really inspired by watching top athletes putting in peak performances.

When I first turned elite in gymnastics, when I was 14, that's when I really became more inspired than ever. I just always kept that in the back of my mind, and always thought about making the 2012 team.

You know, I don't only play for the record books.

My father's music has always inspired me in many ways... especially to be better at what I do.

It is very good to be Olympic champion, but that is not the strongest field.

You always dream of going to the Olympics and winning gold. I've learned over the years that there are lots of gold medals, but certain stories stick out and make a difference.

I was always groomed by my dad to win the U.S. Open.

My dad was an insane workaholic, and watching his work ethic gave me a lot of motivation.

I believe now that I've cemented my spot as the best swimmer in the world, and I can't describe how proud that makes me. I just want to keep working hard and hopefully just inspire more youngsters to keep swimming and encourage South Africans to become a winning nation.

I can't practice every practice or play every play like, 'Oh, I'm trying to get in the Hall of Fame.'

I really want to make a big mark in athletics, to be a legend and be a good example to kids.

My dad went far in basketball, so I just see that there are still people that are better than me. So I try to play like an underdog and I'm just trying to surpass my dad.

Performing for my dad does drive me on. Especially in big games, massive games.

I wasn't even born when dad swam in the Olympics. I've seen videos of some of his swims, although I don't think I've ever seen him in the Olympics. He's been a massive support right through my career, and it's good to have someone so close to talk to who knows all about what it's like to compete in an Olympic Games.