Pierre de Coubertin Quotes

A collection of quotes by Pierre de Coubertin.

Pierre de Coubertin (1863-1937) was a French educator and historian, best known for revitalizing the Olympic Games and founding the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Born in Paris to an aristocratic family, Coubertin was raised with a strong emphasis on sports and education. He attended elite schools in France and England, which greatly influenced his belief in the importance of physical education and the development of character through sports.

Inspired by the idea of reviving the ancient Olympic Games, Coubertin dedicated his life to promoting the Olympic movement. In 1894, he organized the first International Congress on Physical Education in Paris, where he proposed the revival of the Olympics. This led to the establishment of the IOC, with Coubertin as its president.

Under his leadership, the modern Olympic Games were inaugurated in Athens in 1896, marking the beginning of a tradition that continues to this day. Coubertin’s vision was centered on promoting peace, international understanding, and the positive values of sportsmanship and fair competition.

Beyond his work with the Olympics, Coubertin focused on education and was a proponent of the idea that physical education should be an integral part of schooling. He worked tirelessly to promote sports and physical education in schools, and his ideas had a significant impact on educational systems around the world.

Pierre de Coubertin's dedication and vision successfully transformed the Olympic Games into a global event, promoting the values of sports, diplomacy, and fair play. His influence on both athletics and education continues to be recognized and celebrated today.

The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning

The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.

Pierre de Coubertin


The important thing in life is not victory but combat; it is

The important thing in life is not victory but combat; it is not to have vanquished but to have fought well.

Pierre de Coubertin


For me sport was a religion... with religious sentiment.

For me sport was a religion... with religious sentiment.

Pierre de Coubertin

Religion

All sports for all people.

All sports for all people.

Pierre de Coubertin

Sports

All sports must be treated on the basis of equality.

All sports must be treated on the basis of equality.

Pierre de Coubertin

Equality

The day when a sportsman stops thinking above all else of th

The day when a sportsman stops thinking above all else of the happiness in his own effort and the intoxication of the power and physical balance he derives from it, the day when he lets considerations of vanity or interest take over, on this day his ideal will die.

Pierre de Coubertin

Happiness

Once you are labeled 'the best' you want to stay up there, a

Once you are labeled 'the best' you want to stay up there, and you can't do it by loafing around.

Larry Bird

Motivational

Athletes need 'freedom of excess'. That is why we gave them

Athletes need 'freedom of excess'. That is why we gave them this mottoThis phrase, Citius, Altius, Fortius is the Olympic Motto.

Pierre de Coubertin

Sports

Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy foun

Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of a good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.

Pierre de Coubertin

Respect