Quotes From 13 Extreme Athletes on Overcoming Fear

When athletes are put to the test, we witness them going up against obstacles on the playing field: their opponents, the out-of-bounds lines, or the goal where they must score. But often, it’s an unseen fear that can be the toughest to overcome. Confidence is a key factor in an athlete’s ability to succeed, as some of the most successful stars have noted: Babe Ruth encouraged us to “never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game,” while Wayne Gretzky famously quipped that “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
Sometimes, it can be hard to find the courage to take those shots — a feeling all of us face from time to time, whether it’s taking risks or getting butterflies before life’s big moments. For many athletes, harnessing their fears unlocks the potential for greatness, and it’s a lesson we can all benefit from. Here’s what these extreme athletes and trainers have said about handling fear.