"Yes, it's true: I do not shoot free throws."
This quote by Dikembe Mutombo humorously acknowledges that he was not known for his ability to make free throws (basketball shots made from the free throw line) during his career in professional basketball. Despite this, he was a highly successful defensive player, earning a reputation as an unstoppable force on the court due to his exceptional shot-blocking skills.
"If you can't accept losing, don't even think about winning."
This quote by Dikembe Mutombo emphasizes the importance of a healthy perspective towards both victory and defeat in competition. It suggests that having an unyielding attachment to winning without acknowledging the possibility of losing can lead to disappointment, frustration, or even failure. Instead, it encourages one to be prepared for any outcome, to learn from losses, and grow resilient as a result. This mindset allows individuals to approach challenges with determination, adaptability, and grit, ultimately enhancing their chances of achieving success in the long run.
"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."
This quote by Dikembe Mutombo emphasizes the spirit of participation, sportsmanship, and personal growth over winning or achieving tangible success. In the Olympic Games, as well as in life, it's essential to engage actively and honorably, showcasing courage and integrity rather than focusing solely on victory. The quote underscores that our endeavors should be measured by the quality of effort we put forth, not just the outcome.
"I've always said, 'You treat people the way you want to be treated.' I try to live by that every day."
This quote by Dikembe Mutombo emphasizes the principle of reciprocity in human interactions. He suggests that we should extend kindness, respect, and fairness towards others as we would expect to receive it ourselves. This golden rule promotes empathy, understanding, and positive relationships among people. By following this guidance daily, we can contribute to a more harmonious society where everyone feels valued and respected.
"It will be sacrifices. It will be late nights. It will be a constant rejection. And it will be the hardest fun you ever had."
This quote by Dikembe Mutombo suggests that pursuing one's dreams or passions often requires dedication, perseverance, and resilience. The "sacrifices" refer to giving up short-term comforts or conveniences for the sake of long-term goals. Late nights imply a commitment beyond the regular work hours, as one may need to invest extra time into their craft. "Constant rejection" speaks to the potential setbacks and disappointments that can occur during the journey, while the phrase "hardest fun you ever had" underscores the notion that despite its challenges, the pursuit itself can bring immense joy and fulfillment.
I've always had a passion for giving back. It's a family tradition that comes from my devout parents. They were always giving back and serving the community. So when I became fortunate enough and blessed to play the game of basketball, I was also fortunate enough to follow in my parents' footsteps and give back like the way they did.
- Dikembe Mutombo
Africa needs more funding to continue to fight all of those diseases. We are losing more than 1.3 million young children under the age of five every year because of malaria. We've already lost 25 million people to the pandemic of HIV-AIDS. More people are dying now from typhoid fever. Diabetes is on the rise.
- Dikembe Mutombo
If I had not played basketball and made the millions of dollars that I had made, I would never have been able to build a hospital in Congo. It started in 1997, and 10 years later I was able to unveil the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital, named after my mother, in my hometown outside of Kinshasa. It was such a blessing.
- Dikembe Mutombo
My good friend Yao Ming was the first big player in the NBA to come from China. He gave himself to the game and was successful. That inspired the NBA to invest more and do more for the game of basketball. We're building academies not just in China, but in India, Africa, Europe and South America as well.
- Dikembe Mutombo
I was not very strong growing up, and my uncle used to look at me, like, 'This kid is not growing up, he is growing tall but he can be broken like a banana.' The banana in Congo is called 'Dikembe.' So my uncle start calling me, 'Dikembe, Dikembe, look at you Dikembe, you cannot even stand up.' It took a long time for me to walk.
- Dikembe Mutombo
I created the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation back in 1997 for the purpose of going in and improving the living conditions of my people on the African continent, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo where I came from. Out first mission was to go and build a new hospital. Our next mission was to build a school.
- Dikembe Mutombo
When I travel around the globe, I try as hard as I can to represent the NBA and the game of basketball to the best of my abilities. I get to go around the world and not only share the game but also my philanthropic work. Building a hospital in the Congo is one of the proudest achievements of my life.
- Dikembe Mutombo
Basketball Without Borders is a leadership camp that takes basketball to different places around the world, to Africa, Europe, America and Asia. It's a camp that brings players from different parts of the continent to one city that's been assigned as the host city. We've been going to a different city every year.
- Dikembe Mutombo
I just love kids. As a kid, I grew up in a poor country with a poor family that had nothing. I loved anyone who could come into my life, in from the outside, and give me advice that could help me succeed. I believe that there are a lot of people who came into my life that made me Dikembe Mutombo.
- Dikembe Mutombo
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