By Mallory Mattingly
Four-time Olympian Chaunté Lowe’s identity change when she met Jesus.
“I started to build a new life that was written in those pages, specifically in the gospels, and no longer took on the identity of that pain,” Lowe explained on the “Sports Spectrum” podcast. “So I think it was a way for me to separate myself from it. Once I started understanding who I was in God, I never felt like that was my destiny. And so I started looking forward to what His promises said in His Word.”
The high jumper is familiar with pain. She watched her stepfather abuse her mother when she was young and never had a relationship with her biological dad. But as she got to know God, she discovered her real father.
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“And that’s why I was able, even though I was going through those things, to look forward with hope,” she continued. “And so now when I speak, I always talk — like the first thing I tell any audience — …is about that hope, because if you don’t hope for something more, then you will more likely be a product of your environment, but if you’re hoping for more because you’re a new creation in Christ Jesus, then you don’t have to carry that identity with you.”
Lowe competed in her first Olympics in 2004 and in several after that, but a breast cancer diagnosis in 2019 derailed her plans to compete in the Games in 2021.
She now uses all she has learned running track and beating cancer to motivate audiences around the country.
“When speaking, she is authentic to how she performs. She is animated, entertaining and humorous. She dances and plays to the crowd as she shares her stories of beating impossible odds, time and time again. She possesses the ability to keep the audience engaged and hanging on her every word. Those who get a chance to encounter her leave inspired and motivated. Her infectious personality is electrifying. You can’t help but leave an interaction with her with a winning, “I can do ANYTHING” attitude,” her website reads.
She shared more about her story on Instagram.
“Ringing this bell was not just a symbol of overcoming my cancer journey, but of the resilience I’ve needed throughout my life. This is the bell I had made to remind me of what I can overcome with my Resilience Mind Set,” she posted earlier this summer.
Though life has thrown many challenges in Lowe’s path, her reliance on God as her heavenly father keeps her moving forward and encouraging others.
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