Major Taylor Quotes

Major Taylor — American Athlete born on November 26, 1878, died on June 21, 1932

Marshall Walter "Major" Taylor was an American cyclist who won the world 1 mile track cycling championship in 1899 after setting numerous world records and overcoming racial discrimination. Taylor was the first African-American cyclist to achieve the level of world champion and only the second black man to win a world championship in any sport — after Canadian boxer George Dixon... (wikipedia)

I would advise all youths aspiring to athletic fame or a professional career to practice clean living, fair play and good sportsmanship.

In closing I wish to say that while I was sorely beset by a number of white riders in my racing days, I have also enjoyed the friendship of countless thousands of white men whom I class as among my closest friends.

These rules may seem simple enough, but it will require great morale and physical courage to adhere to them. But if carried out in the strict sense of the word it will surely lead to a greater success than could otherwise be attained.

In a word I was a pioneer, and therefore had to blaze my own trail.

I know that a good many champions have entertained the thought that the more they discourage youngsters, the longer they would reign. However, this theory never impressed me, and I always made it a point to give youths the benefit of my experience in bicycle racing.

Major Taylor Quotes

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