Olympic Runner Dreams Not Just of Winning, but of Giving the Glory Publicly to Jesus
"It's important because I want people to know that I'm not the best because I'm Sanya Richards. I'm the best because of God. I truly believe we can't will ourselves to win."
The Washington Post has published an article about the faith of athletes in the Olympics this year, noting that the U.S. Olympic Committee does not instruct its athletes one way or the other about displaying their faith at the Games. USOC spokesman Darryl Seibel said, "There is no discussion of religion. Frankly, it's none of our business. We, as an Olympic committee, never do anything to impede an athlete's freedom from expressing faith."
As a case in point, the article quoted Sanya Richards who, after crossing the finish line in the 400 meters later this month, intends to kneel, say a quick prayer and then point skyward in spiritual appreciation. (Photo by: Andy Wong/Associated Press)
"It's important because I want people to know that I'm not the best because I'm Sanya Richards," she said at last month's U.S. Olympic trials in Eugene, Ore. "I'm the best because of God. I truly believe we can't will ourselves to win. I hope people see the same thing I see."
Reporter Alan Goldenbach notes that whether through a prayer or symbolic gesture, Christian athletes use competition as a pulpit, sharing their belief with thousands of spectators.
