American Golfer Wins Olympic Gold, But Faith ‘Defines’ Him
By Movieguide® Contributor
American golfer Scottie Scheffler won an Olympic gold medal on Sunday, but being one of the world’s best golfers isn’t what defines him.
“During his country’s National Anthem, a visibly emotional Scheffler wiped tears from his eyes. A video of the moment went viral on social media,” Crosswalk reported Aug. 6.
“I would say first and foremost, I’m proud of the country that I’m from,” Scheffler said after his win. “I’m proud to be an American. I [also] got emotional the other night watching the gold medal ceremony for the women’s gymnastics.”
The American gymnastics team also won gold.
“I take tremendous pride in coming over here and representing my country,” he said. “…It was just very emotional being up there on stage there as the flag is raised, sitting there singing the national anthem. [It’s] definitely one I’ll remember for a long time.”
In Sunday’s press conference, Scheffler said he hadn’t thought about how a gold medal would grow his legacy.
“That’s not really something that comes to mind,” he said humbly. “I love being out here competing. It’s one of my favorite things in the world to do and it’s a great joy in my life. I’m proud to be out here competing. As far as my legacy goes, I really don’t think about it too much. This is just part of my life that I do out here and it’s something that I work very hard at. I’m proud to be sitting here with a gold medal.”
At the Masters Tournament in April, Scheffler shared his faith.
He said, “I am a faithful guy. I believe in a Creator. I believe in Jesus. Ultimately, I think that’s what defines me the most.”
He continued, “Yeah, I feel like I’ve been given a platform to compete and show my talent…I think that’s what defines me the most is my faith. I believe in one Creator, and I’ve been called to come out here [and] do my best to compete and glorify God. That’s pretty much it.”
At the tournament, Scheffler won the Masters title for the second time.
The gold medal is his seventh major win this year.
Movieguide® reported:
In a post-tournament interview Scheffler explained what it feels like to have the lead in the biggest tournament of the year but know that, no matter what, he is still loved by his Heavenly Father.
“I was sitting around with my buddies this morning. I was a bit overwhelmed because I told them, ‘Wish that I didn’t want to win as badly as I do.’ I think it would make the mornings easier,” Scheffler said. “But, I love winning. I hate losing, I really do. And when you’re sitting here in the biggest moments, when I’m sitting here with the lead on Sunday, I really, really want to win badly.”
“You know, my buddies told me this morning, my victory’s secure on the cross,” he continued. “That’s a pretty special feeling to know that I’m secure for forever. It doesn’t matter if I win this tournament or if I lose this tournament. My identity is secure for forever.”
