Athletes Glorifying God Through Sports Without Fear

Have Athletes Always Expressed Their Faith Publicly?

          

"Almighty God was with me. I want everyone to bear witness, I am the greatest! I'm the greatest thing that ever lived. ... I must be the greatest. I showed the world. I talk to God every day. I know the real God. I shook up the world, I'm the king of the world," Ali said after defeating Sonny Liston for the first time on Feb. 25, 1964. Have athletes always freely spoken about their faith publicly?

 

In 2011, the Auburn Tigers won the BCS National Championship against the Oregon Ducks, Auburn coach Gene Chizik thanked God. The team's controversy-plagued star quarterback, Cam Newton, said he felt his performance showed what God can do. Do declarations like those influence their fans?

 

A teacher, a fireman, a doctor, a salesperson, or people in any other profession may be a person of faith. For Christians, the foundation of our faith is our belief in the Lord Jesus Christ, and regardless of our circumstances or differences that is the common denominator. Christian athletes lead a very public life. What they do is provide entertainment for others, but it is their job and is an important aspect of their lives. They are Christians living their lives in the public arena. Just like people who have any other career, their faith will influence what they do and how they do it. When they Give thanks to God and glorify Him publicly, we get a glimpse of how they keep going year after year.

 

Thanking God has now become almost commonplace among athletes in recent years. Many athletes are now publicly speaking about their belief in God during interviews. Some make the sign of the cross and others look and point upwards before or after they compete.  These gestures are not new, but they seem to have become more frequent. Why is that? And what impact does this have on their fans and those who participate in the sport?

 

 

Some Athletes Who Glorify God Publicly

 

8 athletes line up at the starting line for the finals of the 100 meters of the Olympics. The Starter's gun goes off and after a couple seconds, one person wins the race, and says “Thank you, Jesus.” Was it Jesus who made that person win? What about the others in the race who had prayed to win but they did not win or medal, what should they say?

 

In an interview with The Guardian, now-retired American track athlete Allyson Felix said: "My faith is the reason I run – it calms my heart and makes everything feel like a lift. My speed is definitely a gift from Him, and I run for His glory. Whatever I do, He allows me to do it." During her years as a track athlete, she spoke about how her faith in God helped her to deal with challenges such as injury. She is the most decorated Olympian to date, having won 11 Olympic medals: 7 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze.

 

Jamaican track athlete Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce has never shied away from thanking God for giving her the gift of running. She has won 8 Olympic medals: 3 gold, 4 silver, and 1 bronze. She is also a five-time world champion in the 100m for women and has said that she will be retiring after the Paris Olympics. She speaks about her faith in after-race interviews, and other interviews, and writes about it on social media posts. In an interview just before the Commonwealth Games in 2014, she told an interviewer, “Christ comes first for me”.

 

Sidney McLaughlin-Levrone is another American track athlete who has publicly declared her faith in God. She is the current world record holder in the 400m hurdles. She is a 2-time Olympic champion and a 3-time World champion. Sidney has authored the book, "Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith", which was released earlier this year (2024).

 

Two-time World champion in the 100m Hurdles for Women, Danielle Williams, spoke to students during morning devotion at the high school she attended in Jamaica, the Queen's School. She encouraged them to have faith in God and to be confident that they will get opportunities to utilize their gifts. She also told them that it was important for them to glorify God in all that they do.

 

Four-time Olympic medalist (one gold, one silver, and two bronze) in diving, David Boudia, became a Christian in 2010, after struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. In his book Greater Than Gold, he wrote, "I realized that my greatest accomplishment in life was not something I did but something I received. I received the gift of God through faith in Jesus Christ."

 

These are just a few of the many athletes who have publicly declared that they are Christians and that they rely on God to guide them and to help them to be injury-free and perform well.

 

 

How an Athlete’s Faith in God Helps Them and Benefit Others

 

Although Hebrews 12:1-3 does not speak of a physical race, it can be applied to all athletes regardless of which sport they compete in.  We are instructed to put aside every weight and to run with patience the race that is set before us looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

 

God has a plan for every person, and it is not cookie cut. Each person’s path will be different, but God is in control of all. Eight athletes will not win the race but that does not mean that God did not sustain them and come through for them in that race. He will allow them to shine when it is their time. An athlete may not win a particular race, but they may have finished injury-free, ran a personal best, or perfected a part of their race that they had been working to improve. Yes, all eight would like to win but only one gets the gold medal.

 

Athletes face a lot of pressures and uncertainties in their careers. They train hard for years, but their performances can be affected by many factors, such as injuries, weather, competition, and even luck. Knowing that they can rely on God to sustain, protect, and provide for them, helps them to cope with the challenges and risks of their profession. Practices such as reading their bible, praying, repeating bible verses, and listening to gospel music help them to find comfort, strength, and motivation to pursue their goals. Training for competitive sports is not easy. Athletes go through rigorous training, forgo many things they like to eat, skip some activities they like, and miss participating in activities with family and friends at times. Believing in God and his supreme power can help an athlete get through those things.

 

The pressure of competing in their chosen sport is not just physically taxing but also mentally and emotionally pressuring. Many athletes have spoken about this publicly. Winning is great but it also brings additional pressures which cause some athletes to take drugs to enhance their performances. There is also the pressure to do media interviews, meet contractual obligations with sponsors, and meet the expectations of the fans as a role model. When a person knows who they are in Christ and can put everything into perspective based on who they know God is, some things do not daunt them. Things that may intimidate others may appear insignificant to them. Many verses in the Bible encourage us not to be afraid, and others assure us that God is in control of all situations. Athletes who meditate on those words and put them into practice can benefit immensely. It helps them to maintain humility and focus.

 

When an athlete suffers a serious injury, they can find support and hope in God’s word and from fellow Christians. The same is true whenever they are facing obstacles in their career. Having faith in God can be the difference between quitting or not quitting. Athletes have to be mentally tough to do well in competitive sports. They need a strong belief in their source and their abilities. When an athlete is not living up to the expectations of their fans and the public in general, they face harsh criticisms, name-calling, and ridicule.

 

One Athlete’s Story

In a recent interview on the Coach’s Desk Podcast and YouTube Channel, a 400m track athlete, Rusheen McDonald of Jamaica, spoke about the pain he endures in training and in competition. A few years ago, he had a car accident which resulted in injury to his spinal column.  Spinal fusion surgery was done with metal plates being used to hold the vertebra in place. If you know people who have gone through that kind of procedure, then you know of the ongoing pain and discomfort that some people suffer after. He also spoke about verbal abuse from fans, not just to him but to his mom. One fan, he said, went as far as to threaten him with a knife. I cannot even imagine how he has been able to rise above all that and keep going, but he has. At the recently concluded World Indoors Championship in Glasgow, Scotland, McDonald won the bronze medal in his event.

 

 

Winning Versus Losing

 

God can use wins or losses to draw an athlete closer to Him. 1 Corinthians 9:24 tells us that in a race all runners run but only one gets the prize. Athletes frequently express gratitude to God for their victories, but why is there a conspicuous absence of thanks in times of defeat? In interacting with a variety of athletes, juniors to professional and coaches a consistent trend has emerged. Regardless of the level of competition, in post-game or competition interviews, many of them thank God. In individual sports like track and field, some athletes do give thanks to God for allowing them to finish injury-free, but not many do so. Romans 8:28, “In all things God works for the good of those who love him”. The Bible also tells us that in everything we should give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

 

Expressions such as "I wish to express gratitude to God for today's victory," or "Today's win wouldn't have been possible without God," have become commonplace. However, the consistent presence of gratitude towards God in post-game discussions highlights an interesting trend – the absence of thanks for defeat, injury, or humiliation. Notably missing are statements like "I want to thank God for this humiliating defeat," or "Thank you, God, for this season-ending ACL tear." This striking contrast, observed across various levels of sports from professional leagues to recreational settings, suggests a prevailing belief that God is associated with success and achievement while being overlooked during times of loss and adversity.

 

 

Serving God and Being His Witness

 

Some athletes feel that their faith is an important part of who they are and what they stand for. By talking about or demonstrating their faith, they hope to inspire others, especially young people, to follow their example and live according to their beliefs. By expressing their gratitude to God for the opportunities and achievements they have received, they inspire others to strive for greatness in their pursuits. By sharing their personal stories and values with their fans and the public, they encourage others to be bold about their faith in God and not be afraid to talk about it.

 

Christian athletes have some things in common, such as their dedication to their sport, their courage to share their faith, and their involvement in social causes. They also have different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that make them unique. Their success rate in their event varies depending on many factors, such as competition level, injury status, training regimen, and personal goals. Their faith seems to affect their performance in different ways, such as giving them motivation, peace, confidence, or gratitude.

 

Sports encompass diversity and vitality, serving as a platform for athletes to showcase their unique talents and personalities. Some opt to integrate their faith in God as an integral aspect of their identity and purpose. Consider a scenario: when a well-respected athlete, known for their exemplary behavior and adherence to sportsmanship, successfully executes a play and acknowledges God in that moment, do you perceive it as something commendable? Now, imagine another athlete, who has not upheld a flawless record of ethical conduct, achieving a remarkable athletic feat and then attributing it to God. How does this make you feel? Does it prompt reflection on the belief that God can employ anyone in any capacity He deems fit?

 

 

Victory in Defeat

 

The association between God and success often transforms winning into a type of favor, establishing an implicit link where winning is interpreted as a sign of divine approval. Yet, this article endeavors to convey an alternative viewpoint: that experiencing defeat or loss in sports does not indicate abandonment by or absence of God's favor. This perspective finds resonance in Christian narratives, which consistently portray defeat as an integral component of the spiritual journey.

 

By drawing parallels with biblical figures such as Jacob, Jonah, and Jesus, who encountered trials, setbacks, and isolation, the article contests the widespread belief that success solely indicates divine approval. It advocates for athletes to express gratitude regardless of victory or defeat, recognizing that loss can instill virtues and profound life teachings beyond mere triumph or failure. The analogy is made with Jesus opting for the cross and a crown of thorns as His symbols of victory, underscoring the divergence of the spiritual journey from earthly achievements.

 

 

Are you for or against Public Expressions of Faith by Athletes?

 

Some fans are indifferent, but others are annoyed when athletes express their faith, and say such comments are irrelevant or inappropriate. They feel that the athletes are imposing their beliefs on them. We know that many individuals are opposed to public display of faith and any attempt to influence them in this way.

 

The impact of these expressions within sports is challenging to quantify but can yield both positive and negative consequences. Positively, they may cultivate a spirit of inclusivity and respect among athletes and fans from diverse backgrounds and faiths. Additionally, they might instill a culture of appreciation and modesty among athletes who acknowledge that their achievements stem not solely from their own endeavors, but also from divine intervention.

 

Conversely, there could be negative implications. These gestures might engender discord and friction among athletes and supporters with differing backgrounds and beliefs. Moreover, they could potentially erode a culture of meritocracy and fairness, as some athletes may attribute their success or failure not just to their personal efforts but also to divine influence.

 

We are instructed that in everything we should give thanks, when we win, we should give thanks, when we lose, we should give thanks. I am glad when athletes publicly express thanks to the Lord Jesus for helping them succeed. I would also like to see those who do not win express thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ also.  God is present not only in touchdowns and triumphs but also in the heartbreak and gut punches of life, warranting gratitude in all circumstances.