Hurling his 80kg body eight-and-half metres during the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games secured Carl Lewis a record-equaling ninth Olympic gold medal. Becoming only the third person to win an event at four consecutive games, the American farewelled his final Olympics amid the roar of 80,000 fans as he ran a victory lap around the stadium.

Since his first Olympic Games in 1984, where he won four gold medals, Lewis has left an indelible mark upon the sporting world. Looking back over his athletics career which spanned nearly two decades, Carl humbly reflects, "I know that God has allowed me to be fast, but I think that there are hundreds of people walking the streets who can run as fast as I do. I am just trying to use the God-given talent to the best of my ability. So many millions of people have so many different talents. Mine just happens to be running fast and jumping far.

"Knowing I have the Lord within me," he adds, "I feel that there is no greater strength that I could have going into a competition. When I run, I feel the pleasure. When I'm competing, I have peace of mind. I feel like there is nothing else in the world at that time. I seek the Lord's help in even the simplest of things."

Lewis' competing days are over and his life has moved into a new stage, but he is not daunted with what lies ahead. As he says, "I know without a doubt that whatever I face, God will allow me to go through only what I can handle with his help."

Contact Carl Lewis at: Lay Witnesses for Christ International PO Box 127 Hurst, TX 76053-0127 UNITED STATES
Article courtesy of Peter Furst

In June 1995, Jonathan Edwards shocked the athletics world. Competing in the World Championships, he shattered his own Triple Jump world record of 17.98m twice, first jumping 18.16m then 18.29m. A year later he added an Olympic silver medal to list of achievements. But it is not his athletic successes that have had the biggest impact upon his life, it is his relationship with God.

Jonathan can't remember a time when he was not a Christian. He saw the reality of God in his parents' lives, and his own faith gradually matured. Only when he left home for university and had to stand on his own feet, did he really stand out as a believer. "I have never not known God, although I realise I haven't always been a Christian," he says. "God has always been there."

Edwards is now clear about what he believes. "All of us are sinful and are separated from God - we can do nothing about that. But of his own will God sent his Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins and rise again. By having faith in him, we can be reconciled to God. In response to that gift, we are to give our lives to God."

The Olympic medallist believes that God's plan for his life is the same as it is has always been, and that is for him to glorify God and obey his commandments. Whether in his athletics, his life at home, or in all the opportunities that come his way, the bottom line remains the same: he is to walk humbly in obedience to God's will, and leave the rest to him.

Article courtesy of Peter Furst