What would you do if you had the opportunity to tell your story about Jesus and the world was watching? Olympic athletes share their faith. Much like us, they do their best and let God do the rest. Here are some 2012 athletes who have professed their faith in Christ. (in no particular order) Please keep them in your prayers.
Allison Felix – (USA Track and Field)
“I had my share of difficult times along with some disappointing choices that I made, but thankfully God never stops loving me.”
Her Website: AllisonFelix.com
Reid Priddy – (USA Volleyball)
“Faith and life with God is a daily process and God communicates with me throughout the process.”
His Website : ReidPriddy.com
Nick Willis – (New Zealand Track and Field – their flagbearer)
“God is real, and He walks along side me every day. He convicts me when I stray, and loves me when I’m lonely.”
Read a story about Nick in the New Zealand Press
Hunter Kemper – (USA Triathalon)
“On the days when I don’t think I can run another mile, or when I don’t think I’m able to cross the finish line, I always remember that God does not grow tired or weary. Anything is possible with God.”
His website: HunterKemper.com
Jacob Wuki - (USA Archery)
“In everything I do I desire to bring glory to God, and since I am confident that He is in control and has a plan for my life, I am able to give my best and let the rest lie in His hands.”
Missy Franklin – (USA Swimming)
“God is always there for me. I talk with Him before, during and after practice and competitions. I pray to Him for guidance.”
Watch videos of her here.
Read an interview where she shares her faith here.
David Boudia – (USA Diving)
“It’s totally freeing when I stay in tune with scripture. I don’t have to worry if I miss a dive. I go into competition and it’s like, ‘Praise God no matter what.’ If I do well, that’s awesome. I praise Him. If I don’t do well, praise Him even more. Competition looks way different now.”
Read an interview where he shares his faith here.
Brady Ellison – (USA Archery)
“Once I put winning in God’s hands, I stopped worrying about that. I just went to tournaments and shot with no fear, doing only the best I can do and leaving the rest up to God.”
See his team information here: TeamUSA.com
Read in interview where he shares his faith here.
Ryan Hall – (USA Marathon)
“Its not my job to accomplish great things, its my job to stay close to God and to simply be all that He has created me to be.”
His website: Runningwithjoy.com
Read an interview where he shares his faith here.
Jonathan Horton - (USA Gymnastics)
“As my training got more difficult and as I was trying to balance school and what my friends wanted me to do with gymnastics, I had to turn to God. My faith grew tremendously.”
His website: Jonathan-Horton.com
Read an interview where he shares his faith here.
Kendrick Farris – (USA Weightlifting)
“Jesus said we would do greater works and I believe that. I don’t get bent out of shape about everything that happens in life. I understand that there is a season and a time for everything.”
His website: KendrickJFarris.com
Read an interview where he shares his faith here.
Lolo Jones – (USA Track and Field)
“I never have prayed to win a gold medal at Olympics and never will. The Lord is my Shepard and I shall not want. May His will be done.”
Her website: Runlolorun.com
Read an interview with her here.
Tobin Heath – (USA Soccer)
“Even though it’s not the ideal outcome—I mean, everybody wants to be winners—you have to trust that God has a greater plan for this even when you can’t see it.”
Read an interview where she shares her faith here.
Lauren Cheney - (USA Soccer)
“I’ve learned to give God the praise in the highs and the lows. That’s not easy. It’s not easy to lose the World Cup and say, “Thank you Lord,” because it hurts and it doesn’t feel good.”
Read an interview where she shares her faith here.
Brittany Viola - (USA Diving)
“His truth allowed me to replace the many lies in my head. He saw me as fearfully and wonderfully made, His perfect creation, chosen, holy, and dearly loved.”
Her website: BrittanyViola.com
Read an interview where she shares her faith here.
Tamika Catchings- (USA Basketball)
“God has taught me about patience and about accepting myself for who I am and knowing that He formed me and made me unique. He made everyone uniquely wonderful.”
Her website: Catchin24.com
Read an interview where she shares her faith here.
Are you aware of other Olympic Christ-followers? Let us know. (Especially those from other countries, I had a tough time finding them.)
About Paula Whidden
Pingback: Happy Birthday and Super-7 | Faithful Choices