Faith In Your Sport, Faith In Your Journey

This is such an exciting week, with the 2012 Olympics underway. As we watch the Olympics, it is extremely inspiring to hear the back stories of the Olympians. Often we hear of insurmountable circumstances and how these athletes were able to carry on because of the love they have for their sport. It is inspiring to observe the faith these athletes have and to observe where competition is leading them on life’s journey. 

Two great athletes to observe are Nastia Liukin and Alicia Sacramone. A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the Olympic Trials for women’s gymnastics.

Although neither Alicia Sacramone nor Nastia Liukin made the 2012 Olympic gymnastics team, they helped to pave the way for the current Olympic team. They are great role models who displayed courage, faith, and the power of commitment.

Both were incredibly supportive of the other competing gymnasts. Nastia and Alicia wanted to try out for the 2012 Olympic Team in order to improve the team’s chances of winning a gold medal. They are unselfish athletes and felt they could contribute not only with their gymnastics skills but with their experience and leadership.

When Nastia finished her bar routine at the Olympic Trials, after getting up from a fall, the whole arena exploded with applause. They knew the level of effort she had given and they knew of the body of work she had contributed to the sport. The audience knew it would be her last time competing on the world stage but acknowledged, with a standing ovation, that Nastia would forever be remembered as the 2008 All-Around Olympic Champion, not just in the history books, but in their hearts as well.

Alicia Sacramone was equally inspirational. She was already an Olympic silver medalist at the 2008 Olympic Games and had won nine World Championship medals, yet she decided to come out of retirement to help the team in 2012. 

The television announcer made mention of all the injuries and surgeries that Alicia had to overcome to be at the Olympic Trials. Yet no matter how she was feeling, no matter how high the pressure, no matter what circumstances, she came and gave everything she had.

She wanted to show the new generation of gymnasts that you can’t let fear hold you back; you build confidence by training hard every day, and in the end, no matter how high the stakes, you have to go out there to compete and be fearless. 

There are some athletes and coaches who have a special gift of faith. They take risks because they know that no matter what happens it will make them better for having gone through the experience. 

The outcome of Olympic competition may make history or it may be disastrous. Either way, it is what these athletes and coaches are called to do. They are opening doors for others by displaying their courage and their efforts.

These are life lessons that will carry far beyond the years an athlete has to compete. As we watch the Olympics and remember past Olympians, we learn how important it is to have faith in our goals, faith in our preparation, and faith in ourselves; we learn to be better people for having gone through the experience. It is all a part of life’s journey.