The Standard August 24, 2024
As much fun as it was to watch the 2024 Paris Olympics and to learn more about many incredible personal stories of athletes, it was a bitter pill to swallow for contenders who suffered injuries shortly before The Games. Shilese Jones was considered a shoo-in for the U.S. women’s gymnastics team. The two-time world team gold medalist took second place all-around behind Simone Biles in the Core Hydration Classic the weekend of May 17 this year. While warming up on vault the first night of the U.S. Olympic Trials, Jones tore the ACL and meniscus in her left knee.
Skye Blakely, also a two-time world team gold medalist, finished second all-around behind Simone Biles in the 2024 Xfinity Championships the weekend of May 31 and fifth place all-around at the Core Hydration Classic. The expectation was for her to represent the U.S. in Paris, yet she ruptured her right Achilles during practice at the Olympic Trials. Three years before, she had to withdraw from the Trials after she tore a ligament in her elbow on the first day of competition. These are only two heartbreaking stories out of hundreds of Olympic hopefuls around the world.
Top-level athletes understand the ever-present risk that injuries can surface at what seem to be the most inopportune times. While not as much in the spotlight, there can be risks for all of us in situations like changing jobs, choosing schools, falling in love, following our conviction to stand up for what is right, speaking out against what is unfair, choosing where to live, making medical decisions, or deciding to follow where God seems to be leading. Even when listening for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, the amount of control we actually have over many of our circumstances is astonishingly less than we tend to think.
Following Christ, like training as an athlete, is a day -to-day endeavor that takes intentionality. As the Westminster Shorter Catechism of 1647 says, our chief end or main goal is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. Even when things get dicey and are not going according to our plan, we still need to press on, trust, and give God all of the glory.
“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.” Romans 8:28
“So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24
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