Meaning

The quote captures a simple truth about opportunity and risk: every chance you never take is already a guaranteed failure. Choosing inaction to avoid missing feels safe, but it guarantees a zero outcome. The only way to score anything in life is to attempt the shot in the first place, even knowing you might miss.

Context

The line is almost universally linked to Wayne Gretzky, the Canadian ice hockey legend widely considered the greatest player in the history of the sport. It fits naturally with his competitive philosophy, and the sentiment is consistent with how he has spoken about boldness and effort throughout his career. Because the attribution is described as "widely attributed" rather than tied to a specific verified interview or publication, the exact original source is difficult to pin down with certainty, which is common for many popular sports quotations.

About the author

Wayne Gretzky played professional ice hockey in North America for over two decades, spending his most celebrated years with the Edmonton Oilers before moving to other teams. He holds numerous scoring records in the National Hockey League that remain unbroken. Known not only for his physical skill but also for his sharp reading of the game, Gretzky became a symbol of excellence and determination both on and off the ice. His name carries enough cultural weight that any quote attached to it tends to spread quickly and widely.