I didn't get into skating to be famous.

The soft murmur of the café filled the space, the sound of raindrops gently tapping against the window adding to the peaceful atmosphere. Jack sat across from Jeeny, his coffee cup cradled in his hands, his gaze distant as he watched the world outside. Jeeny, sitting opposite him, seemed to be reflecting on something, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup absentmindedly.

Host: After a moment of quiet, Jeeny finally spoke, her voice thoughtful but with a hint of curiosity.

Jeeny: “I came across something Eric Heiden said today, and it really made me think. He said, ‘I didn’t get into skating to be famous.’ Do you think that’s true for a lot of people? That fame isn’t really the goal, but it happens anyway?”

Jack: He looked up at her, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “I think that’s definitely true. Most people who are passionate about something don’t do it for the recognition or fame—they do it because they love it, because it challenges them or brings them joy. The fame or recognition just happens as a result of the hard work and talent that goes into it.”

Jeeny: She nodded, her voice steady but filled with a quiet understanding. “Exactly. It’s easy to forget that behind every person who becomes famous for their talent, there’s someone who started simply out of passion, out of a genuine interest in what they do. Fame might come with the territory, but it’s not the driving force—it’s the love of the craft, the pursuit of excellence, and the joy of the journey that fuels them.”

Host: The rain outside continued, but the conversation between them seemed to open a space for deeper reflection. Jack’s fingers rested on his cup as he considered her words, his gaze softening.

Jack: “I think about how often people look at athletes or performers and think fame is the end goal, when in reality, it’s about the process. The challenge, the growth, the moments of perseverance that aren’t visible to the public. Fame is just a byproduct of those things, but it’s not what gets people out there every day.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s about purpose. When people get into something for the right reasons—whether it’s sports, art, or anything else—they’re doing it because it brings them fulfillment, because it shapes them and teaches them something. The fame doesn’t define them; it’s the passion for what they do that matters.”

Host: The atmosphere around them seemed to settle as the weight of their conversation sank in. Jack set his cup down gently, looking out at the rain, his thoughts clearly deepening.

Jack: “It’s a good reminder, isn’t it? That the real value comes from the work itself, not from the external rewards that may or may not come with it. Fame is fleeting, but the satisfaction of doing something for the love of it, of pushing yourself and growing—that lasts.”

Jeeny: Her smile was small but filled with something like reassurance. “Exactly. It’s the internal fulfillment, the pursuit of excellence in whatever you’re doing, that makes it meaningful. Fame can fade, but the passion and the process don’t.”

Host: The world outside continued its quiet rhythm, the rain now a soft mist, but inside, Jack and Jeeny sat with the understanding that true success doesn’t come from seeking fame—it comes from doing something with passion and dedication, from focusing on the journey rather than the destination. Fame, if it comes, is just the cherry on top of a much deeper pursuit.