These 5 Olympians are Putting Christ First in Paris
By Movieguide® Contributor
As hundreds of athletes compete for gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Movieguide® has their eye on a select few as they compete for “a crown that will last forever.”
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Track and Field.
As a world record holder, McLaughlin-Levrone is a favorite to win the 400m hurdle event. However, she aims to glorify God through her time in Paris.
“It’s the truth in a sport where you’re literally chasing gold all the time — I would take my love for Christ and that relationship over a gold medal any day,” McLaughlin-Levrone said on the “Sports Spectrum Podcast.”
Stephen Curry, Men’s Basketball
To many people’s surprise, this will be Curry’s first ever Olympic Games. Curry intends to make a splash on the court but also point others to Christ.
Movieguide® reported:
“While appearing on The High Note podcast, Curry revealed that the New Testament’s Romans 8:28 has been very important to him over the years.
The verse reads, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Curry explained that his mom was the base of his strong Christian faith, taking them to church and Bible studies.
“It kind of gave me the confidence to find out what that meant for myself,” Curry shared. “These last crazy 12 years in the league, a lot of it has come down to forming an identity and knowing where my foundation is so that with all the things thrown at me, like you said, I knew who I was and I know who I am. I credit my mom a lot for showing us the way.”
Coco Gauff, Tennis
Gauff missed the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to a COVID diagnosis, but now, four years later the athlete is ready to make her Olympic debut. In 2023, Gauff spoke of her faith after she won the Grand Slam title.
Movieguide® reported:
“I don’t pray for results. I just ask that I get the strength to give it my all. Whatever happens, happens. I’m so blessed in this life,” she said.
“That French Open loss was a heartbreak. I realized God puts you through trials. This makes this moment even sweeter than I could imagine,” Gauff continued.
Hunter Armstrong, Swimming
Armstrong is making his second Olympic debut. In Tokyo, Armstrong won a gold medal in the 4×100 meter relay, but this year, he’s focused on an individual event: the 100m backstroke.
Ahead of his focus on swimming, though, is his focus on the Lord. Armstrong shared his faith on an episode of the “Sports Spectrum” podcast.
Movieguide reported:
“Every time I swim, I point up to the sky because it’s God first. Like none of this matters without Him, and you know, it got to the point where…it became a habit, just part of the pre-race ritual, and I didn’t like that,” Armstrong said on the “Sports Spectrum” podcast.
He explained that while sends up a quick prayer before every race, he doesn’t necessarily do it after if he doesn’t win, a habit he changed going into the 2024 World Championship…
“Michael [Phelps] was racing against me in the fifty back at Worlds,” he said. “Like we’re both praying. Not to necessarily win. I’ve sort of changed my prayer because I don’t want to ever say, ‘Please God, let me win.’”
“My prayer before every race is, ‘Give me the strength to do my best and may whatever I do bring glory to your name,’” he revealed.
He earned Team USA’s first gold medal this year for the Men’s 4x100m freestyle relay.
Aaron Brooks, Wrestling
Straight out of college, Brooks is about to make his first Olympic debut. To get there, Brooks had to beat former Olympic gold medal winner and world champion, David Taylor. After their match, Brooks praised the Lord, like he often does.
Movieguide® reported:
“Praise the Lord. Like I say many times, it’s a journey with Him. Just put my faith in Him. Praise the Lord,” he said.
“He gives me wisdom, knowledge that surpasses all,” Brooks added. “Some things that I wouldn’t have figured out myself, He showed me in wrestling. Praise to Him.”
When asked what advice he would give to younger athletes seeking the same Olympic dream, Brooks pointed them to God.
“I’d say seek the Lord,” he said. “He will guide your steps. Praise the Lord. Have faith in Him. That’s the best advice I can give them because it changed my life.”
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