The Races Have Begun!
The roar of the crowd, the flash of the starting pistol, the electrifying pursuit of gold – the 2024 Paris Olympics track and field events are upon us! Are you a track and field fan? With all the excitement, a different story unfolds. The games began on July 26, and will end on August 11, with 204 of 206 National Olympic Committees from various countries represented, and roughly 10,500 athletes participating. Reports have surfaced that athletes are battling not just their competitors, but also discomforting living conditions in the Olympic Village. From hot rooms which lack air conditioning, and the type of mattresses and beds, to concerns about the food quality and amount, threatening to dampen their spirits, they are persevering. It has been reported that some countries, including the USA, provided portable AC units to their athletes and eventually, most of the athletes moved out of the village. Coco Gauff, the US tennis player, said that she remained there.
Undeterred Champions
Despite these unexpected hurdles, our athletes remain focused on their ultimate goal – Olympic glory. Years of relentless training and serious dedication have prepared them for peak performance. Their determination and spirit of perseverance are on full display at these games. There are many different stories. Some athletes are battling injuries, others are returning to compete after surgeries, and others are dealing with personal matters including the loss of loved ones. Some of these athletes are Christians and have expressed their trust in God to carry them through.
Young triple jumper Jaydon Hibbert stated in an interview that he had to dig deep in his faith after suffering an injury at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, last year. He said that he is taking it one day at a time as he relies on God to control the outcomes. He is one of the youngest athletes participating in the summer games. Over the next week and a half, we will see the athletes competing and will hear their stories. Stories of unyielding faith and trust in God; of strength, unwavering determination, and the power of resilience of the human spirit, will no doubt emerge. These stories can serve to inspire us in other walks of life. They can inspire and strengthen us to continue trusting God and to push through.
Let’s Rally Behind Them
As fans, we have the incredible opportunity to be a source of strength for our athletes. Here’s how you can show your support:
Let’s pray for the athletes: Pray that God will protect them from injury and harm. Pray that they will perform at their best and maintain good health. Pray for good sportsmanship. Pray that they will accept the outcome of the competition and not be discouraged by where they place. Pray for their support teams and the officials of the game. Pray that God’s will be done and that they will enjoy, learn, and grow from the experience.
Cheer them on! Follow the events, share your enthusiasm on social media, and let your cheers be read or seen across the globe.
Send them messages of encouragement. A simple message expressing your belief in their abilities can make a world of difference.
Stay informed. Understanding the challenges they face fosters empathy and strengthens your support. Give constructive and positive comments. It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.
The Road to Victory
The 2024 Paris Olympics track and field events promise to be a testament to the human spirit. The first track and field events, the 20 Km race walks for men and women, were held yesterday, and today (Friday, August 2, 2024), will be the preliminary rounds of the 100m for women. Our athletes will compete for medals and demonstrate the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. Some will win and some will lose – that’s life. Let’s celebrate with the winners and podium finishers and applaud the efforts of the other competitors. Let’s join together, celebrate their triumphs, and offer unwavering support as they strive to conquer the track, the field, and any obstacles on their journey. Remember, what God does for others He can do for you. You may not desire to compete in the Olympics but He can meet you at your point of need. Put your trust in Him.
The Race of Life
Like athletes in a race, we are participating in the race for eternal life. Whether we believe that Jesus Christ will return one day, or dismiss that idea as nothing but a myth, we will face Him as our judge one day. As we enjoy the Paris 2024 Olympics, let us remember to run this race with patience and to serve the Lord with all of our hearts. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). Running the race of life requires us to overcome obstacles we encounter. As we listen to the interviews and read the stories about the athletes, we should look for takeaways, encouragement, and inspiration to apply in our lives. Unlike the Olympics, this race of life is not for the swift but for those who will endure to the end! This race will not just have one winner, but there will be many winners who surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ and will reign with Him for eternity. Keep believing no matter what the “world” says. Remember, you are in the world, but not of the world! (John 17:16)