An increasing number of athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are speaking openly about their Christian faith. Emma Fowle takes a look at the sports stars giving all the glory to God
From a Brazilian surfer banned from having pictures of Jesus on his board, to an opening ceremony labelled by many as blasphemous, the Paris 2024 Olympics has certainly courted controversy when it comes to public expressions of faith.
But for many athletes, their faith is intrinsic to the way they approach their sport, providing them with peace, purpose and a sense of security outside of the fickle world of sporting success.
Here’s just a glimpse of some of the sports stars glorifying God this Olympic Games.
1. Rayassa Leal (Skateboarding, Brazil)
The Brazilian, who won bronze in Street Skateboarding, used sign language to share a Bible passage during the competition. The 16-year-old, who was competing at her second games, signed John 14:6: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’”.
After the event, she told the media that she does the same thing in every competition: “For me it is important; I am Christian, I believe a lot in God,” she stated. “There I asked for strength and sent a message to everyone, that God really is the way, the truth, and the life.”
2. Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix (Diving, Team GB)
Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix won a bronze medal in the synchronised 10-metre diving event with team mate, Lois Toulson.
In an interview after the event, said she and Toulson prayed with their coaches before every competition.
The 19-year-old, whose father Fred Sirieix ismaitre d’on TV show First Dates, added: “Bringing God into the competition takes that pressure and stress away. I give God all the glory.”
Watch from 1:50 to hear Andrea sharing about her faith:
3. Nicola Olyslagers (High jump, Australia)
Australian high jumper, Nicola Olyslagers (formerly McDermott) is well-known for her Christian faith. Sporting several biblically-themed tattoos, the Olympic silver medallist writes a biblical reference on her wrist whenever she jumps. This time it was 1 John 4:18, which reads: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
Olyslagers also jumps with the word “revival” written on her shoes. She is a co-founder of Everlasting Crowns ministry, which aims “to see fellow athletes transformed by Jesus’s perfect love, planted in churches, and discipled to be a blessing to every place they are sent”.
In an Instagram video posted by British hurdler Cindy Sember, Olyslagers can be seen worshipping God with a group of athletes in the Olympic Village.
4 Adam Peaty (Swimming, Team GB)
After winning a silver medal in the men’s 100m butterfly, Britain’s most successful-ever Olympic swimmer told reporters that he was “a very religious man”. Peaty, who has previously battled alcoholism and depression, has spoken openly about his new-found Christian faith.
Having been introduced to sports chaplain, Ashley Null, the swimmer now attends church in Nottingham and says it is the only place he finds peace.
Bearing a cross tattoo on his chest, Peaty declared after Sunday’s race: “Everything I’ve done to this point has happened for a reason. I said to myself I’d give my absolute best, and I have. That’s the victory for me.”
5. Gabriel Medina (Surfing, Brazil)
The image of Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina pointing to the sky as he celebrated a 9.9 score – the best in Olympic history – may well become the viral image of the Games.
Medina eventually took bronze in the competition and later shared the photo on Instagram with the caption: “I can do everything through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) and a praying hands emoji.
The post has received 9 million likes and more than 130,000 comments. “Beautiful tribute to our God”, read one.
6. Noah Lyles (Track and field, USA)
As he lined up for the men’s 100m final, USA’s Noah Lyles could be seen mouthing the words: “Thank you, God. Thank you, God.”
After winning gold, the sprinter told Premier Christian Radio that he had to find his “own journey with God”.
“I thank God every day for getting me through each and every round. Healthy, mentally and physically”, he added.
And finally…
Each day of the Paris Games, athletes, coaches and staff from the Fijian Olympic team join together in worship. They sing the Fijian hymn ‘Mo Ravi Vei Jisu’, which means, “Put your trust into the Lord and he will guide your way”, echoing Proverbs 3:5-6.
Their song has transcended international boundaries, with Australian water polo player Matilda Kearns sharing a video of their singing on her Instagram. “It’s so beautiful, everyone’s come outside to hear it,” she said.
