Honouring God at the Olympics

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Honouring God at the Olympics
Renewal Journal – a chronicle of renewal and revival: www.renewaljournal.com

Links to some people honouring God at the Olympics

Eric Liddell, Paris 1924, 400m Gold

The Paris summer 2024 marks the 100-year anniversary of the 1924 Paris Olympics, and Eric Liddell’s triumphant victory there in the 400 meters.

That story begins in his rivalry with fellow British sprinter Harold Abrahams, the two entering the Olympics as favorites in both the 100 meters and 200 meters. However, Liddell dropped out of a heat for the 100 meters because it was run on Sunday (a race Abrahams later won). Liddell’s decision to skip those races for his religious convictions was immortalized in the movie Chariots of Fire.

Liddell stood firmly on his faith and still emerged a champion. Liddell’s character famously says, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. When I run, I feel his pleasure.” Many a young Christian has been inspired by the fact that, for Liddell, even athletics was a place of worship.

Perhaps an even greater reason to remember Liddell is his decision to lay aside his athletic career for a higher calling. After returning from Olympic triumph in Paris to overwhelming popular adulation, he shocked everyone by announcing his intention to return to China as a missionary.

In an age when sports was becoming ever more popular in Britain, many argued he could reach more people at home than abroad. Indeed, the Sunday after he returned from Paris to preach in a Scottish church, the pews were filled with people. Liddell preached on Psalm 119:18: “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law” (KJV).

It was plausible that staying in Britain and continuing his athletic career might fit hand-in-glove with Liddell’s desire to preach the gospel. When asked why he’d give up such an opportunity, he’d simply reply, “Because I believe God made me for China.” The next summer, he traveled the Trans-Siberian railway overland from Europe through Russia and down to China. He would serve there for 20 years as a missionary.

Liddell was able to minister for many months until finally he was rounded up with more than 2,000 others during WWII and taken to an internment camp in Weixian (the modern city of Weifang). Even there, his ministry flourished. Despite appalling conditions and death all around him, he poured himself into ministry with the people of the camp — leading Bible studies, counseling others, doing physical labor to meet practical needs. Thus he continued until February 21, 1945, when he died.

(From ” : ’ ” by Mark Collins)

2024 PARIS

200,000 Olympic New Testaments

The French Bible Society, in partnership with the representatives of the sports chaplaincies of several Christian denominations, shared the ultimate message of hope through the distribution of a New Testament called ‘More Precious than Gold’ distributed among athletes during the Paris Games.

The title of this special edition, ‘More Precious than Gold’, is inspired by 1 Peter: “These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.” – 1 Peter 1:7 (NIV)

This unique edition featured sixteen testimonies from Olympic and Paralympic athletes who draw inspiration from their Biblical faith. Among those contributing to this project includes Nicola Olyslagers, an Australian high jumper.

The goal was to distribute 200,000 copies (140,000 in French and 60,000 in English), spreading inspiration and unity. This New Testament is just one planned activity; others include The Holy Games and Protestant Chaplaincy.

Please pray that those who receive these New Testaments will be Spiritually impacted.

Teams evangelizing at Olympics

Awakening Europe teams among many evangelizing in Paris.

Reel: https://www.facebook.com/reel/425035307166215

Christians worshipping in Paris

Christians became vocal in Paris in 2024.

JESUS LOVES YOU – JESUS T’AIME

Reel: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1262077481868451

Novak Djoković, Tennis, Serbia

Novak Djoković showed his Cross. Gold Medal, winner of the ‘Golden Slam’.

See article: Novak Djokovic, a Christian of deep faith

Rugby 7s footballers

Australian Rugby 7s won the quarter-finals for the first time. Player 11 honoured God.

Fiji Rugby 7s won Gold at the first two Olympics where it was included, Rio in 2016 and Tokyo 2020. They won Silver in Paris to France’s Gold in 2024.
The Fiji team always honours God in their games.

Fijian Olympians sang and worshipped God daily at the Olympic Village in Paris, drawing many out of their room to listen.
YouTube: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1932067583899471

Elijah Winnington, Swimming, Australia

Silver in Paris 2024; Gold in World Aquatics Championships 2022.

Well done to Elijah Winnington! His family was on the TV saying that he honours God in all he does! He’s a graduate of King’s Christian College.

Gabriel Medina, Surfing, Brazil

Bronze medal in 2024 Olympics, 3x world-champion surfer @gabrielmedina appears to defy gravity, walking upon clouds, emerging from a barrel wave off the coast of Tahiti.

To caption this amazing, unedited shot on instagram for his 12m followers, the Brazilian Christian surfer chose a simple, single Bible verse:

“Tudo posso naquele que me fortalece” Filipenses 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Leo Neugebauer, Athletics, Germany

Decathlon silver medalist in Paris 2024, Shot Put, Discus Throw, Javelin Throw, Heptathlon Short Track, High Jump, 60 Metres, Long Jump, 100 Metres.

Yemisi Ogunleye, Shot Put, Germany

Shot Put champion Yemisi Ogunleye sings gospel song that helped her win gold – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA2045BHgjM

Owens Delerme, Athletics, Peurto Rico

Decathlon, Pole Vault, Javelin Throw, Shot Put, 110 Metres Hurdles, Discus Throw, 400 Metres Hurdles, 200 Metres,

Micah Christenson, Volleyball, USA

Bronze medalist in Paris 2024.

Shelby McEwen, Athletics, USA

Equal first in High Jump, and silver medal from jump offs.

Nicola Olyslagers, Athletics, Australia

Australia’s reigning Olympic silver medallist Nicola Olyslagers qualified alongside teammate Eleanor Patterson for the women’s high jump final.

Her inspiration? Watching the film Chariots of Fire about the 1924 Paris Olympics of course.

“People told me it is about the same city 100 years ago, so I had to watch it. That made me very focused for these Games, because I recognise that there is a legacy that’s being made, it’s a lot bigger than just the performance here,” Olyslagers said.

Arisa Trew, Skateboading, Australia

Riverside Christian College student wins skateboarding gold.

Ashleigh Bond, Israeli Christian

Rayssa Leal, Skateboarding, Brazil

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Adam Peaty, Swimming, Great Britain

Christian Faith Fuels His Swimming Success

Beyond his athletic achievements, one of the things that sets Adam Peaty apart is his Christian faith. He has spoken openly about how his belief in God anchors him amidst the pressures of elite competition. In a recent interview, Adam said, ‘God and church help me find peace beyond the pool.’

Carlos Yulo, Gymnastics, Philippines

Carlos Yulo, gymnast, is the first Filipino to win two Olympic gold medals.

Aleah Finnegan, Gymnastics, Philippines

Joshua Cheptegei, Athletics, Uganda

Joshua Cheptegei is made Africa proud by winning the 10,000 metres race at Paris Olympics 2024. He is a Ugandan long-distance runner, the current world record holder for the 5000 metres and the 10,000 metres, and holds the world best time over the 15 kilometres distance.

He has now won more Olympic medals than any other Ugandan athlete in history

5,000 metres, Tokyo 2020

10,000 metres, Tokyo 2020

10,000 metres, Paris 2024

Georgia-Leigh Vele, Swimming, PNG

Anthony Ginisuka, Badminton, Indonesia

Saidel Horta, Boxing, Cuba

Geronay Whitebooi, Judo, South Africa

Julien Alfred, Athletics, Saint Lucia

Allyson Felix, Athletics, USA

Allyson Felix knows the importance of using her platform to inspire others. She is one of the most successful track and field athletes ever, with 20 World Championship medals and 11 Olympic medals (including seven golds) over five Olympic Games.

But her story isn’t just about breaking records; it’s also about overcoming personal challenges and advocating for the rights of female athletes. Allyson openly credits her Christian faith with helping her through some incredibly tough times.

Allyson’s faith has always been a central part of her life. Growing up in a religious family, she learned to trust Jesus from a very young age. She credits this foundation for helping her stay grounded and focused throughout her career.

More on the Vision Christian Media app or at

https://vision.org.au/…/from-olympic-gold-to-advocacy…/

Daniel Roberts, Athletics, USA

Katie Ledecky, Swimming, USA

Katie Ledecky extended her record as the most-decorated U.S. female Olympian—and the second-most decorated U.S. Olympian of all time, behind Michael Phelps—after she won gold in the 800-meter freestyle final, marking her 14th Olympic medal.

Hunter Armstrong, Swimming, USA

Caleb Dressel, Swimming, USA

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Athletics, USA

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone made history winning the gold again with a new record in the women’s 400 meter hurdles. The day after winning that gold in Tokyo she posted this moving testimony on Instagram:

“What an 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 . . . obedience to God . . . 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.”

YouTube: https://www.facebook.com/reel/871268261522771

Allyson Felix, Athletics, USA

More on the Vision Christian Media app or at

https://vision.org.au/…/from-olympic-gold-to-advocacy…/

Kennedy Blades, Wrestling, USA

YouTube: https://www.facebook.com/GospelGoal/videos/1016304853408254

Simone Biles, Gymnast, USA

Simone Biles Christian faith and success have earned her the title of the greatest gymnast of all time. She is not only known for her incredible skills and achievements but also for her strong Christian faith. Simone’s gymnastics career and life are closely connected to her beliefs, which have greatly helped her succeed and stay strong.

She said, ‘I have a lot of faith in God. It really helps me through the tough times.’ Simone has shared her faith publicly, saying that her belief in God gives her the courage to face the pressures of being a top athlete. ‘I pray every night before I go to bed and I feel like God is with me when I compete.’