How Being a Christian Changes This Olympian’s Game

Published: March 27, 2026

By Mallory Mattingly

USA Olympic gold medal hockey player Jaccob Slavin says his identity in Christ allows him to play freely.

“I think the biggest reason why, as Christian athletes, we look at what Jesus did for us on the cross, and I think going into a game, we know that we are sinners saved by grace, and so we’re playing from the identity of, ‘Alright, I’m here as a chosen vessel of God to glorify God,'” Slavin told Matt Forte on the “Sports Spectrum” podcast.

“And whether you’re in the office working, whether it’s a sport that you’re playing, whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, like that is where God has you. So you’re going to do your work for God’s glory,” he continued. “The reason why is because He’s worthy of it.”

“Christ died for me so I’m going to play for Him.”

USA Olympic Gold Medal hockey player Jaccob Slavin @JSlavin74 with @MattForte22 on the latest Sports Spectrum podcast. pic.twitter.com/ZgUMyg2lBO

Related: NHL Player Jaccob Slavin Glorifies God ‘On and Off the Ice’

— Sports Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) March 24, 2026

Slavin revealed the one thing he always prays before taking the ice.

“One thing I kind of always pray before games is like Christ died for me, so I’m going to play for Him,” he said. “And so, if He was willing to give His life for me, I feel like the least I can do is play for Him with the platform He’s given me, the abilities He’s given me, and then really just glorify and honor Him through the sport of hockey, or through loving my wife, parenting my kids, whatever it is. He’s worthy of that, and so we must live for Him.”

Slavin won his first-ever Olympic gold medal this year at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. After all of the celebrating, he took to social media to praise God for the win.

“Wow! AGTG! [All Glory to God] No words to describe how amazing that was! Proud to be an American and so thankful for all the support!” the defenseman shared on Instagram. “Especially all the family and friends that came over! (Charlie’s favorite part was all the fun drinks and Emmy loved all the gelato 😂) ”

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Slavin concluded his post by reminding his fans that he got this opportunity only through Christ.

“But most importantly, all Glory to God! Thankful for His kindness to be able to lift His name high on a world stage! He’s worthy of all praise!” he wrote.

No matter what you do, when you root your identity in Christ, you can glorify God through everything.

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