Into the light....
The Paris 2024 Olympics that we are now fully into is often known as ‘The greatest show on earth” with 11,000 athletes taking part from 206 different countries, it is living up to that billing. However, the wise athletes realise despite all the dedication that being an Olympian requires, that there is a more important race to win.
Faith and sport often go together – perhaps the most well-known example has been Eric Liddell, who 100 years ago won the Olympic 400m title even though it was not his favoured event. This was because the heats of the 100m were held on a Sunday but as a Christian, Eric, despite being under huge pressure to compete, refused to compromise his faith-a wonderful example of obedience to the Lord. He later became a missionary in war torn China-something he felt was more important than running for personal and national glory. He was imprisoned during WWII where he continued to spread his faith in action by helping those in need but died in 1945.
100 years on and his Christian example can be seen throughout the Olympics, no more so than in the shape of Adam Peaty the incredible Team GB swimmer. He has won 3 Olympic Gold medals, he has been World Champion 8 times and European Champion 16 times – all whilst still in his 20’s. Truly extraordinary. However, despite all of those achievements Adam did not feel fulfilled. It is a familiar story of a highly gifted person who outside of their area of expertise wondered who they are and realise, as we all do at some stage in our lives, that we are missing something-God.
Adam was redeemed thanks to a sports chaplain, Dr Ashley Null, who took him to church and that helped to heal him, who by this time had taken a break from his sport due to his mental health breaking down. He found something special there saying “I didn’t have a community outside of sport and I found solace and fulfilment in God and attending church”. Over a period of time, he got things back in order and has returned to swimming but this time things are different. He said recently that everyday conversations with himself and prayers keep him inspired to use his God-given gift of swimming. He summed it up by saying “For me, the only fulfilment and the only peace is every Sunday at church”.
As you watch Adam hopefully bring more success back to Team GB and God, look at his muscular body because on it is a large tattoo of a cross with the words “into the light”. It says it all.
Tags: Olympics, AdamPeaty, swimming, eric liddell, chariots of fire