Sport

I fell in love with the process first – they sometimes call it the grind. I fell in love with movement, with training, with everything between the competitions – and falling in love with that was instrumental to me because now, when things don't go right, and I feel vulnerable or emotional, I can dip into that state.

Professional surfer and multiple-time world championship competitor

There's just enough in your control where you think you should be able to perform or deliver on any given day – but when you really sit and think about it, you're basically trying to be predictive text for the ocean.

Professional surfer and multiple-time world championship competitor

The reality is – you can't accomplish anything unless you're all in emotionally, physically… you have to put it all on the table. You can't just put a little part of you out there in case you get hurt… guess what… everything about competition will hurt. The losses hurt… a huge wipe out hurts…. Breaking a board and getting hit on the head, that hurts. The more you do it – the more you build a mental scar tissue that you can lean on – That's the 'stuff' that lets you pick up the pieces and go again.

Professional surfer and multiple-time world championship competitor

I have this feeling that everyone should run a marathon once in their life- like a rite-of-passage. Most people think, 'that's not me, I could never run a marathon!' That's precisely why you should do it – a marathon is a way of proving to yourself that you're better than you think- that you can go further- and endure more.

Ultramarathon runner known for extreme endurance feats and adventures

So many things in life divide us – the colour of our skin, the language we speak, the god we worship, but when we run, we're the same. When we run, we're united, it's a commonality across our species like nothing else. You feel deeply connected with other people when running together.

Ultramarathon runner known for extreme endurance feats and adventures

Iceland, a country of just 332,000 people, managed to qualify among the 32 teams for FIFA. In contrast, India, with its billion-plus population, was nowhere in the picture. It made me realize that someone has to initiate change. While it's not a single person's job, someone needs to make a start. I firmly believe that beyond a certain point, money should serve society.

Founder and CEO of Freshworks, cloud-based software company

I've done the show with a blown-out back, with one leg, coming off laryngitis, coming off or having a 103 degree fever. The bottom line is this… I go in there to do my job – the men and women fighting are actually putting their lives on the line – I'm just announcing! They're taking punches in the face, I'm just holding a microphone! I have nothing to complain about or make excuses for, the show must go on!

UFC and Pride Fighting Championships Announcer

When you set out on that yellow-brick-road of life to fulfil your goals, just be the best you can be – and whether that means you finish as champion, first, second, tenth, whatever… if you've done your best? You're winning. The martial arts however can teach you a lot about how to perform – how to dig deep – and how to be better than you think you can be.

UFC and Pride Fighting Championships Announcer

There is an old saying in martial arts… blood and honour. In battle, you battle, but afterwards there's respect. You're giving everything in that place- you've done everything you can apart from dying, and you've shared that with this other individual. You shared blood, tears, sweat and competition. It's the height of challenge- and once that challenge is over, the better man or woman wins in that moment – and so the opponents have nothing but respect for each other.

UFC and Pride Fighting Championships Announcer

The level of preparation before fighters' step into the octagon is huge – at minimum fighters will train for 6-8 week, non-stop at camp, just for this 3 or 5, 5 minute-a-round battle. It is complete dedication. It is the loneliest sport in the world when it comes to it…. once you enter the octagon and that gate closes? It is you alone. To achieve what our fighters achieve? You need true warrior spirit, dedication, and discipline – you must be consistent with all your efforts.

UFC and Pride Fighting Championships Announcer

27 years ago, when I started in UFC, I knew it was going to be one of the biggest things in sports- honestly. It was always a spectacle, but needed refining to become a mainstream, extreme sport. All the excitement we used to get from watching those movies we can now watch in reality. The men and women who come into the octagon are also really fascinating, have incredible stories, incredible personalities- UFC really captures you… it captures hearts and minds.

UFC and Pride Fighting Championships Announcer

Martial arts is my greatest passion in life, and it has given me everything: my values, my family, my business, and my true calling. It has given me a warrior's spirit to conquer adversities in life, and I truly believe it's one of the greatest platforms to unleash the true power of human potential.

Founder and Chairman of ONE Championship, premier Asian MMA organization

When I approach anything, especially high-risk activities, I always brace myself for the worst outcome – death. By accepting death, they rid themselves of the fear and could focus purely on survival. This mentality is my cornerstone.

Professional BASE jumper and skydiver known for extreme cliff jumping

Fear is a complex emotion that's moulded by years of experience. Much like fitness training, confronting fear is progressive. You can't begin with soaring in a wingsuit through a narrow canyon at astonishing speeds. This sport mandates extensive training and preparation.

Professional BASE jumper and skydiver known for extreme cliff jumping

The blend of high-level academic learning with top-tier sports training and competition is extraordinary. While theoretical discussions about values are important, sports provide a unique, practical arena for kids to live and learn these values daily.

Tennis coach who famously coached Serena Williams

Champions possess a distinct mindset, a relentless drive for excellence that sets them apart. They're not content with just doing okay; they strive for excellence constantly. Being second is not an option for them, they aim for the top.

Tennis coach who famously coached Serena Williams