15 Olympians share their secrets for Olympic success
The Olympic Games are always fascinating and inspiring times to watch some of the world’s most elite athletes compete. The years of preparation it takes to make it to the Olympics and the intense pressure during those final moments of competition are not for the faint of heart. Here is what 15 Olympians shared about their secrets for success:
Michael Phelps: Swimming
When Michael Phelps found himself in a dark place and he questioned whether life was worth living, his Christian friend and former NFL linebacker, Ray Lewis, stepped up and encouraged Phelps to get his life back on track. He sent Phelps a book, Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life. Of the book, Phelps said, “It’s turned me into believing there is a power greater than myself and there is a purpose for me on this planet … It helped me when I was in a place where I needed the most help.” Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time, with 23 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze medals.
Simone Biles: Gymnastics
Biles has been called the best female gymnast that ever lived. Back in 2013, Simone Biles posted this insight on Twitter about what drives her to become better:
Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with your talent is your gift back to God????
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) November 12, 2013
Ibtihaj Muhammad: Fencing
“My religion. My faith. They are part of who I am,” Muhammad said in a video released by Mini USA. “When I realized that there had never been a Muslim woman who wore the hijab to represent Team USA, I wanted it, you know, not just for myself but for my community.” Watch the full video here:
Brianna Rollins: Track and Field
“I just kept God first and just continued to let Him guide me throughout the rounds,” Rollins said in an interview with NBC. Her Twitter profile says, “I want to break world records and win gold medals, but I also want to be known as the athlete who glorified God by reaching my full potential.”
Kerri Walsh Jennings: Beach Volleyball
On Instagram, Walsh Jennings revealed some of the words that empower her before competition:
Maya DiRado: Swimming
“Knowing that I’m a child of God and that his love for me is determined by nothing I can achieve or do on my own has given me a quiet confidence,” said DiRado in an interview with Christianity Today. “My faith has helped me chart my own course and pursue my goals when people around me may be going in different directions. Jesus’ love for me and all humanity is something that always helps me better love people around me when things get difficult.”
Simone Manuel: Swimming
“All glory to God. Isn’t he awesome!” Manuel shared this message via Twitter:
Thank you all for the support! ??–>?? pic.twitter.com/nG8bqit4OV
— Simone Manuel (@simone_manuel) July 4, 2016
Nate Ebner: Rugby
“[My dad] taught me the importance of being Jewish with holidays like Chanukah and Passover, and I spent some time at Sunday Hebrew school,” said Ebner. “My dad stressed finishing strong in every task I did, and conduct myself always in a proper manner.”
Gabby Douglas: Gymnastics
“I take my Bible with me, sometimes two of them, when I travel…. I always pray at every competition, when the judge’s hand goes up I am praying, and there are little Scriptures I like to quote. That keeps me motivated when I am about to go out on the competition floor,” said Douglas in an interview with Christianity Today. “I would say little short prayers, quoting Scriptures: I can do all things through Christ, don’t fear, be courageous. Little things like that get me motivated.”
Steele Johnson: Synchronized Diving
In an interview with NBC Sports, Johnson said, “It’s cool because this is exciting, this is fun, but this is not what my identity will be for the rest of my life. Yeah, I’m Steele Johnson the Olympian, but at the same time I’m here to love and serve Christ. My identity is rooted in Christ, not in the flips we’re doing.”
Reid Priddy: Men’s Volleyball
“Volleyball has been a major way God communicates life lessons to me,” said Priddy in an interview with Athletes in Action. “They go hand-in-hand; what I’m learning on the volleyball court I am able to apply in life and vice versa.”
Corey Cogdell: Shooting
Cogdell expressed her Christian beliefs on Instagram:
Katie Ledecky: Swimming
Ledecky told the Catholic Standard that her faith helps her keep things in perspective. “I do say a prayer – or two – before any race. The Hail Mary is a beautiful prayer and I find that it calms me,” she said.
Bubba Watson: Golf
In an interview with BillyGraham.org, Watson credited regular Bible study with helping him stay centered. He said he looks forward to “Getting more in the Word and realizing that golf is just an avenue for Jesus to use me to reach as many people as I can.”
Missy Franklin: Swimming
Following a disappointing Olympics in Rio, Franklin Tweeted about the optimism and perspective her faith brings:
Trusting in the Lord that something BEAUTIFUL will come out of this, and that I will come back stronger than ever! pic.twitter.com/Bi5NmbAM83
— Missy Franklin (@missyfranklin) August 12, 2016
Watch this video to learn more about why faith matters to Missy Franklin:
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