These Olympic Women Remind Us to Thank God
By Patricia Patnode
McLaughlin broke the world record in 400m hurdles for the sixth time in her career during the Paris Olympics. During a press conference following her win she said, “I credit all that I do to God. Regardless of what happens, He’s going to get the praise. Every time I step on the track I pray ‘let me be the vessel in which you’re glorified’… That’s why I do what I do.”
Instagram post caption: “Let me start off by saying, what and honor it is to be able to represent not only my country, but also the kingdom of God. What I have in Christ is far greater than what I have or don’t have in life. I pray my journey may be a clear depiction of submission and obedience to God. Even when it doesn’t make sense, even when it doesn’t seem possible. He will make a way out of no way. Not for my own gratification, but for His glory. I have never seen God fail in my life. In anyone’s life for that matter. Just because I may not win every race, or receive every one of my heart’s desires, does not mean God had failed. His will is PERFECT. And He has prepared me for a moment such as this. That I may use the gifts He has given me to point all the attention back to Him.
Silver and Bronze Medalist, Rayssa Leal (Brazil), women’s skateboarding
Leal signed “Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life” to the camera.
On her Instagram she quoted Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Gold Medalist Yemisi Ogunleye (Germany), women’s shot put
The thrower was quoted in Athletics Weekly describing her thought process during her event: “I just lifted my hands and prayed before my final attempt and I wanted to have a good last round… Then after that throw and realizing it would maybe be good enough for gold, I thought ‘thank you, Jesus’.”
Ogunleye, a gospel singer, sang a praise-and-worship song during the press conference after her win.
Silver Medalist, Tsige Duguma (Ethiopia), women’s 800m sprint.
Duguma held up to the camera the back of her racing tag, which read “JESUS IS LORD.”
Gold Medalist Kennedy Blades (USA), women’s wrestling 76 kg.
Following her win she said that she had “gotten super close to Jesus.. I really believe if you guys put your heart into Jesus Christ, you guys will experience nothing but happiness and grace. He’ll help you through trials and tribulations. It’s Him! That’s the main reason why I was able to accomplish such a big thing.”
Gold Medalist Tatjana Smith (South Africa), women’s 100m breaststroke.
She wore a tee shirt listing all the people who helped her in her race. First on the list are God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
Silver Medalist, Nicola McDermott (Australia), women’s high jump.
Nicola wrote “Jesus makes all things new,” on her inside wrist while she was competing.
In an interview with The Guardian ahead of the games, McDermott said, “I realized I had put my identity into performance and achievement. Faith for me was realizing that I am loved regardless of performance – high jumping is simply a way to connect me to God.”
The humble gratitude of these women is a lovely reminder that only through collaboration with God can we do great things. Whenever we face people or work hostile to our faith, the most rebellious thing that we can do is give thanks to God and joyfully seize the opportunity to glorify Him.
Patricia Patnode is a columnist at The Conservateur and a Junior Fellow at the Independent Women's Forum. She can be found on Twitter @IdealPatricia.
