So what were your favorite 2012 Olympic moments? The British-themed-rock ‘n roll-extravaganzas of the opening and closing events (the Queen skydiving?)? The individual athletic performances? The medal ceremonies?
Actually the real highlights for me didn’t receive much attention from NBC – or any other mainstream media outlets. What I found most impressive was the grateful acknowledgement from so very many athletes of the role that faith plays in their lives and accomplishments ~ His-Lights. 
After winning gold in the women’s 500 meter race last Friday, Meseret Defar of
Ethiopia pulled a picture of the Virgin Mary & Baby Jesus out from under her jersey, showed it to the cameras and held it up to her face in deep prayer.
[Credit: Alexander Hassens/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images]
From Gabby Douglas (gymnastics) to Vincent Hancock (shooting), Missy Franklin (swimming) and David Boudia (diving), it’s been awesome to see so many young Christian athletes gratefully giving God the glory.
Christians were also well-represented in Track & Field events:
Meseret Dafar (above)
Leonel “Leo” Manzano ~ silver medal, 1500-meter
Kellie Wells ~ bronze medal, 100 meter hurdles
Usain Bolt ~ gold medal, 200 meter sprint
Allyson Felix ~ gold medal, 200 meter sprint;
In what Sports Illustrated described as “the best night for Team USA on the track since Aug. 6, 1992,” our athletes won seven medals: three gold (Felix, Brittney Reese in the long jump and Aries Merritt in the 110-meter hurdles), two silver (Lashinda Demus in the 400-meter hurdles and Jason Richardson in the 110-meter hurdles) and two bronze (Jeter and Janay DeLoach in the long jump). Every one of them gave thanks and/or glory to God for their wins.
Tweets were flying on Twitter during the Games, the social media network was even down for an hour or two in the first week. And Christian athletes weren’t at all shy about letting their followers know Who inspired them; #Godbetheglory.
~ Lauren Cheney U.S. women’s soccer team ~
“First day of competition at #2012Olympics. I’m nervous but excited. Phillipians 4:13” [I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.]
~ Jonathon Horton U.S. gymnastics team
Although Ryan Hall (coached by God) wasn’t able to complete the men’s marathon yesterday, simply qualifying for the Olympics was a huge accomplishment ~
Credit the “new media;” alternative news sites, blogs, and twitter, for getting out the stories about these confident Christians. And above all, thank God ~
for these incredible athletes and their personal witness. And for what I believe was His response to petitions like this Torch Relay Prayer offered by the Church of England:
As this light travels our nation,
may your light, O God, shine in the hearts of all
who gather to celebrate the energy, skill and dedication of others.
Send your Holy Spirit
to light up our lives
and set our hearts on fire with love for you;
through Christ our Lord. Amen
Related:
Young Brazilian Evangelists Testify Jesus Christ to Thousands at London 2012 Olympic Games
For the past two weeks 175 volunteers from the Christian group have carried out intense evangelistic work in the English capital city, testifying Jesus Christ to millions of tourists as well as locals in London.
