Christians Tokyo Olympics

Legacy Stories, Part 1

Posted on by William E. Richardson

Part 1: God Talk at the Olympics

The fireworks celebrating the end of the summer Olympics in Japan have fallen silent. But not the Christian convictions expressed by some of the medalists.

Although Christian athletes from other countries spoke of their faith, let’s listen to three medalists from the United States. Each is from a different sport. 

Their outspokenness promotes Psalm 78:4. It says, “We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and His mighty wonders” (NLT). The stories of their wins will indeed be heralded to their children and grandchildren, but their greater legacy stories will be crediting God for their victories.

Christian Voices In Tokyo

Sydney McLaughlin set a new world record when she won gold in the 400m hurdles.

After her win, she posted on Instagram, “What I have in Christ is far greater than what I have or don’t have in life.” She further declared her dual citizenship: “What an honor it is to be able to represent not only my country, but also the kingdom of God.” Sydney understands the importance of leaving the right kind of legacy. She’s also said, “I pray my journey may be a clear depiction of submission and obedience to God.”         

Swimmer Caeleb Dressel won five gold medals in Tokyo. 

Seeing him at the pool, you can’t miss the eagle tattoo on his left shoulder. He says for him, it depicts the Bible verse, Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (NIV). In a 2015 interview, Caeleb stated that his purpose is, ” to inspire people and show them where I find my happiness with what God’s given me,” 

Tamyra Mensah-Stock, became the first African American to win gold in wrestling.

She gave a joy-filled, post-win interview. It was evident that she was proud to be an American and a Christian. Before the Olympics, Tamyra said of her ability, “It’s by the grace of God I’m even able to move my feet… I just leave it in His hands, and I pray.” She went on to say that the rigors of practice and prayer always pay off.

These and other athletes stand on the shoulders of a runner who was willing to risk everything for his Christian convictions in the 1924 Paris Olympics. 

Almost 100 Years Ago

Eric Liddell, the son of Scottish missionaries, spent his early years in China. In 1920, he entered Edinburgh University. His running prowess earned him a spot on Great Britain’s track team for the 1924 Olympics. When he learned the qualifying heat would be on Sunday, Eric bowed out. His personal convictions prevented him from participating in sporting events on Sunday. 

He switched from competing in the 100-meter race to running the 400 meters. Then, he won the gold. He later said, “The secret to my success over the 400 meters is that I run the first 200 meters as fast as I can. Then, for the second 200 meters, with God’s help, I ran faster.”

After graduating from Edinburgh University, Eric returned to China for missionary service. During World War II, when Japan invaded China, Eric and other non-Chinese were placed in internment camps. He died there in 1945.  

The 1981 movie, Chariots of Fire included a significant event that happened prior to Eric’s gold-medal race. Someone handed him a note. It contained God’s words in I Samuel 2:30: “He that honors me, I will honor.” Eric Liddell’s legacy, beyond his athletic skills, testifies to that truth. His daughter, Patricia, was 10-years old the year her father died. She’s told interviewers, “I tell young people today what my father left to me was that you do not give up your principles just for a gold medal.”  

The Road Ahead:

  1. Like these Olympic athletes from 1924 and 2021, is representing the kingdom of Heaven foremost in every aspect of your life? What stories of adhering to your convictions—of God-honoring you because you honored Him—do you retell as part of your Christian legacy?
  2. What stories of other Christians representing the kingdom of Heaven are worth passing along to others? Ask God to help you be more alert to stories you can tell that put the faith of other Christians in perspective.

Further Fuel: Isaiah 38:19; I Peter 3:15.