Sam Mussabini quotes from Chariots of Fire (1981)

Sam Mussabini

Eric Liddell? He's no real problem...

Harold M. Abrahams

You could have fooled me.

Sam Mussabini

Yeah he's fast! But he won't go any faster. He's a gut runner, digs deep! But a short sprint is run on nerves. It's tailor-made for neurotics.

Sam Mussabini

Do you want to know why you lost today?

Sam Mussabini

You're over striding.

Sam Mussabini

Now these coins represent the steps in your sprint.

Sam Mussabini

Can you find me another two coins, Mr. Abraham?

Sam Mussabini

Remember over striding. Death for the sprinter.

Sam Mussabini

Knocks you back.

Sam Mussabini

Like that!

Sam Mussabini

And that!
[Sam laughs and grabs Harold by the arm]

Harold M. Abrahams

I've never seen such drive, such devotion in a runner. He runs like a wild animal. He unnerves me.

Sam Mussabini

As well he should. He frightens the living daylights out of me. [chuckles]

Harold M. Abrahams

Yes, well, I want you to help me take him on.

Sam Mussabini

Tell me, Mr. Abrahams, are you married?

Harold M. Abrahams

No. Why?

Sam Mussabini

Well, when the right woman comes along, how would you feel if she pops the question? [quiet laugh] Ya'see, Mr. Abrahams, like the bridegroom, it's the coach should do the asking.

Harold M. Abrahams

Mr. Mussabini...I can run fast. With your help I believe I can run even faster. I want that Olympic medal. Now I can see it there. It's waiting for me. But I can't get it on my own.

Sam Mussabini

Do you want to know why you lost today?

Sam Mussabini

You're over striding. Just a couple of inches.

Sam Mussabini

Now these coins represent the steps in your sprint.

Sam Mussabini

Have you got another two coins, Mr. Abrahams? Well, maybe we can find 'em.

Sam Mussabini

Remember, over striding – death for the sprinter.

Sam Mussabini

Slap in the face, each step you take. Knocks you back.

Sam Mussabini

Like that!

Sam Mussabini

And that!
[Sam laughs and grabs Harold by the arm]

Sam Mussabini

I want you to pretend you're running on hot bricks: if you leave your feet too long on the ground, they'll get burned! Pop, pop, pop! Light, light, light as a feather!