July/Aug 2012 Ones to Watch 2012 Olympics
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SWIN CASH - Women’s Basketball
Born: September 22, 1979
Hometown: McKeesport, PA
Twitter: @SwinCash
“My strength is in my faith. I have been blessed with the ability to play, so I try to glorify God by playing as hard as I can. It’s an honor and privilege to represent my family, our country and my faith at the Olympics. It's about more than just dribbling a ball; it's about His favor, mercy and grace in my life."
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TAMIKA CATCHINGS - Women’s Basketball
Born: July 21, 1979
Hometown: Stratford, NJ
Twitter: @Catchin24
“I focus on playing for His glory. When I do that, whether I play good or bad, I know He’s smiling down on me. I am blessed to be able to represent my country, and it’s an amazing opportunity that I don’t take lightly. But the joy I get from being able to represent Christ on this stage is like none other. When I play, it’s as a child of God.”
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BRYAN CLAY - Decathlon
Born: January 3, 1980
Hometown: Keneohe, HI
Twitter: @bryanclay
“My faith is the foundation of my life. It is a huge honor and responsibility to represent both my country and Jesus Christ at the Olympics! I don’t take it lightly, and I hope through the way I compete I make them both proud.”
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RYAN HALL - Men’s Marathon
Born: October 14, 1982
Hometown: Mammoth Lakes, CA
Twitter: @ryanhall3
“Christ is in me and with me in whatever I am doing. Even when I am forgetful or not mindful of Him, He is always there. Every day it’s an honor to be both a Christian and an American, but the great thing about the Olympics is that it transcends country. We all come together to inspire one another and to celebrate the amazing things we were created to do and how amazing we were created to be. The unity of the Olympics is what makes it so special.”
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TOBIN HEATH - Women’s Soccer
Born: May 29, 1988
Hometown: Basking Ridge, NJ
Twitter: @TobinHeath
“I know God is in control of my life and I’ve always felt a sense of peace in my sport because I know that’s where I belong and what I’m supposed to be doing for His glory. The special thing about the Olympics is that you are representing something bigger than yourself—not just your country, but your Lord and Savior. To be able to compete at that highest level on the biggest platform available for your nation and for Jesus is one of the best experiences you can have as an athlete.”
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ANGEL MCCOUGHTRY - Women’s Basketball
Born: September 10, 1986
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Twitter: @angel_35
“I learned early in life that God is the reason for our success—not us—and I am so grateful for that. I am excited and honored to represent my country because it is the ultimate goal you can reach as an athlete. No matter where I am, even at the Olympics, I always pray for God to let His light shine through me.”
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MEB KEFLEZIGHI - Men’s Marathon
Born: May 5, 1975
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Twitter: @runmeb
“It is a great honor to represent the USA in the Olympics for the third time. I would not be where I am today without God, my family and all of my supporters who have believed in me all along. My life and journey to the Olympics is a testimony to the power of God and the things that are possible when we are faithful to Him.”
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REID PRIDDY - Men’s Volleyball
Born: October 1, 1977
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Twitter: @reidpriddy
“Right before the 2004 Olympic Games I really felt the freedom from God to be a fierce competitor—not just a really nice and supportive teammate. Since then, I’ve enjoyed awesome fellowship with God, and He’s used volleyball as a way to refine me as a person.
“It is a special thing to represent your country and something that I never take for granted. But when it comes to representing Christ, there is a little more pressure. The world will see us for a few seconds on TV every four years, but that isn’t where the main responsibility lies; that’s more in my relationships with my teammates and coaches.”
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DONNY ROBINSON - BMX
Born: June 17, 1983
Hometown: Napa, CA
Twitter: @DonnyRobinson
“My success as a BMX racer has blessed me with a huge platform to share my faith. Every time out, I have the opportunity to be a positive role model and by my actions be a light to glorify God. It’s a tremendously powerful and humbling feeling to know that I represent the United States as well as our Creator by showcasing my athletic gifts on the Olympic stage." |
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JENNY SIMPSON - Track & Field
Born: August 23, 1986
Hometown: Oviedo, FL
Twitter: @trackjenny
“It is important for me to always remember that nothing I have accomplished has been by my own strength. When I get nervous before a competition I pray that I can be a good receiver of God’s peace and that His joy will be the strength that sustains my effort. At the 2004 Olympics, the Lord clothed me with peace and acceptance rather than fear and anxiety, and I have reflected on that race many times. I am grateful for how God prepared my spirit in such a special way for such an amazing event.”
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JESSE WILLIAMS - Track & Field
Born: Dec. 27, 1983
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
Twitter: @Jessehj1
“Jesus Christ is the reason why I am able to perform at this level, and I know He has a plan for me. That puts things into perspective before, during and after competition. I know God has put me in this place to represent Him. I love the USA , and I love the Lord even more, and I’m excited to represent them both on such a large international stage.”
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--For more stories about faith and sport, visit www.sharingthevictory.com, the official magazine of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. To subscribe to STV, click here.
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