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.
