Summer is a time for many things – splashing on the water, cooking out with friends, sharing sunsets and dreams with someone special.

But this summer is also a time of athletic greatness.

Since the 2012 Summer Olympics is going on right now, we thought we’d simply share a few quotes from some past Olympic champions. We hope you’ll find their words relevant, wise, and inspiring.

From Wilma Rudolph:

“Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.”

“No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helps you.”

This last quote echoes, to some degree, an earlier post about explorer Tori Murden McClure’s transition from a desire to be independent to an acceptance of and appreciation for the strength that comes from recognizing our interdependence.

Here are a few words from Jesse Owens:

“The battles that count aren’t the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself – the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us – that’s where it’s at.”

Post Race Antics

From Carl Lewis:

“Scientists have proven that it’s impossible to long-jump 30 feet, but I don’t listen to that kind of talk. Thoughts like that have a way of sinking into your feet.”

And from Nadia Comăneci:

“I don’t run away from a challenge because I am afraid. Instead, I run toward it because the only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your feet.”

“You should also appreciate the goodness around you, and surround yourself with positive people.”

For some interesting information on “50 Stunning Olympic Moments,” click here.

You don’t need to set world records, but hopefully you can make your own Olympic moments over the next two weeks – special moments where you just slow down and make the most of your time with family, with friends, with yourself.