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Quotes about Athletics

"I did not do my best time during the race, because I was troubled with cramps for the greater part of the time, and had any of the boys pressed me very hard would very probably have had to drop out"
- Alex Decoteau winner of the Calgary Herald Trophy Race on Christmas Day, expressing himself as very well pleased

"I am going to train all year in order to win that cup next year"
- Alex Decoteau after the Herald Road Race

"I have had the time of my life, but I am really glad to get back to Edmonton"
- Alex Decoteau commenting on the Olympic Games of 1912 held in Stockholm Sweden

Quotes about Alex’s Experience, Voice and Character

"Decoteau, with wisdom born by experience, was shod with indoor track shoes, with short spikes, which gave him a distinct advantage"
- 'Doc' Dawson, one of the pioneers of the Herald Cup Race

"He ran a splendid race and well deserved the cheers which greeted him at the finish. I take off my hat to him as the best distance man in Alberta"
- 'Doc' Dawson, one of the pioneers of the Herald Cup Race

"In distance events Alex Decoteau was probably the best ever seen around here, and he was still improving as a runner when he answered his country's call"
- George Mackintosh, Retired Journal Sports Editor

Quotes about Alex’s Accomplishments and Achievements

"Alex belongs to all of Canada, to all of us and to all the young children"
- Gerald Wuttunee, Decoteau relative

"The American Indians had their heroes. We didn't have many of them and Alex is surely one of them. He accomplished more in 30 years than many of us will in a lifetime"
- Gerald Wuttunee, Decoteau relative

"He showed he could be a native and make it in the white man's world"
- Gerald Wuttunee, Decoteau relative

"When King George V was about to present the trophy, it was found that it had been mislaid. So his Majesty promptly removed the gold watch from his waistcoat and presented it to Decoteau"
- Sam Donaghey, Police Historian

"Alex pioneered track and field in Alberta, and his easy nature made him a popular ambassador for the sport"
- Sam Donaghey, Police Historian

Character

"Alex was obviously the man to name a race after, he was an inspiration to all"
- Jeannine Laboucane, Alberta Native Education Foundation co-ordinator

"He ran cross-country to a town to compete in a race, found out it was a bicycle race, borrowed a bike and won the race"
- Sam Donaghey, Police Historian

"He was very popular. Humorous and self-assured. Charismatic"
- Charlotte Cameron, Edmonton playwright and Eastwood Elementary teacher

"...when he learned a niece of his was considering a nursing career he wrote back, 'Please don't let her do it. It's a thankless job, like soldiering'"
- Charlotte Cameron, Edmonton playwright and Eastwood Elementary teacher

"He was still improving as a runner when he enlisted and went overseas to find a hero's grave"
 

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