I am not sure where the idiom “guernsey” originated but it came to mind so I thought I would use it. Its typical meaning “If someone or something gets a guernsey, they get public recognition for an achievement or a quality”.

I think God did get a guernsey at these Olympic Games. I have already posted on several athletes who have won medals and they gave the glory to God for their achievements.

From a spiritual standpoint, these people were, in many ways, doing what they were created to do. Like a bird soaring in the air, a rose bush blooming where it’s planted, athletes from around the world showcased their mettle and ability. Whatever sport I couldn’t help but think of the following Psalms: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!” Pslam 103:1 and “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Psalm 150:6.

One hundred years ago, at the 1924 summer games, Eric Liddell – the famed Scottish sprinter whose life was portrayed in the 1981 film “Chariots of Fire” – made history with his record-breaking first-place finish in the 400-metre race. This wasn’t his best event. He was scheduled to run in the 100-meter race but because it was scheduled on a Sunday he withdrew. When asked about running, Liddell once said the following: “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast! And when I run, I feel his pleasure.” But that’s only part of the quote: “You will know as much of God, and only as much of God, as you are willing to put into practice. Christ for the world, for the world needs Christ!” Liddell, who spent his post-Olympic life as a missionary in China, understood his purpose was not limited to the Olympic stage nor his ability to run fast. Yet, he could see how they were connected.

Daniel Roberts also got it. He was interviewed a week before he left his home in Georgia to compete in the 110-meter hurdles, in which he placed silver. He wasn’t aware of Liddell or his faith, but when told, he immediately beamed with a broad smile and said. “That’s cool that even back then there were disciples out trying to just live their faith out loud and not be ashamed of the gospel”. “At the end of the day, that’s all I’m trying to do” Roberts added “And if maybe 100 years from now someone can say the same thing about me, I feel like I’ve done something right”.

However, the smiles and emotional highs often quickly fade in the waning weeks, months, and years. That’s especially true for retiring athletes. Marilyn Okoro, who represented Team Great Britain in track and field in 2008 and 2012, retired after the Tokyo Olympics. She struggled to give up a sport to which she dedicated thousands of hours in addition to blood, sweat, and tears. “By the grace of God, I feel fully recovered from my retirement,” Okoro conceded in an interview before the start of the summer games. “Every athlete will tell you it’s a big question mark of your identity. And one thing for me, I knew my identity was in Christ.” “It was my faith that pulled me out of that season. And God has really shown me that there is life after sport. There’s life in Him,” she continued, explaining her plans to attend the Paris games to pray for the athletes.

Behind the scenes, there was a huge prayer and evangelistic movement with “hundreds upon hundreds” of salvations according to Frank Shelton, a four-time chaplain at the summer games. His team of volunteers was part of a multi-national initiative to pray with athletes, coaches, and spectators throughout France. “We had the honour to see souls saved on the street,” Shelton wrote in an email. “Some of the athletes I met said, worship was happening in the village and I saw video footage of them praising God near the Olympic Village. What was so beautiful was how so many athletes gave glory to God.”

Shelton acknowledged the outrage over the opening ceremony but had this to offer. “I reminded all those disgruntled at home after the opening ceremony that if we have to wait for the ‘perfect conditions’ to share the Gospel, we will never get started”. “As Christians called to share the faith, we must resemble a dedicated fireman. Why? We just need an opening to run in and through when everyone else is running out or quitting.”

Shelton shared a story to summarize the ministry outreach in Paris. It was of a chaplain for track and field walking and conversing with track star Grant Holloway. Frank said that another chaplain wrote, “God just opened the door for me to start a Zoom Bible study with some of the Olympians long after we leave Paris.” What if the last two weeks were only a sampling of something bigger and better the world has to offer?

Shelton summed it up with “Praise God, folks are hungry for the Lord. True winning isn’t just going after gold but God. However, when we seek Him first and His righteousness all these other things will be added unto you. Sometimes that includes gold, too!”