Rio 2016: Olympic athletes who were ambassadors for Christ as well as their country during the Games
Brazil's Neymar
Neymar's goal in the penalty shootout catapulted Brazil to Olympic gold medal glory but the Brazilian striker was determined to switch the focus to Jesus. He wore a headband which read: "100% Jesus" when he took to the podium and shared the above Instagram post with the caption: "To you, all honour and glory."
Jamaica's Yohan Blake
Yohan Blake proved prayer has a place on the podium when he put his hands together and took time to thank God after winning gold in the men's 4x100m relay. Blake also demonstrated that he doesn't only turn to God when things are good, following his defeat in the men's 200m final, Blake wrote on Instagram: "I just want to give God thanks. He works miracles no matter what the outcome...I will never lose faith no matter what the circumstance is, no matter what happens. God is always by my side."
Fiji's Rugby Sevens Team
As their national anthem played, various members of the team held their hands out in prayer. After their win, Fiji's first Olympic medal, the team gave all glory to God.
South Africa's Wayde van Niekerk
The South African was very clear about who to credit for his phenomenal record-breaking run in the 400m race in Rio.
USA's Simone Manuel
It is an honor to represent the USA! God is working in me! I am so blessed and grateful. Thank you all so much for your support.
— Simone Manuel (@simone_manuel) 2016年8月12日
The record-breaking swimmer's feats in the pool aren't the only barriers she's interested in breaking. Simone has been open about her faith and giving thanks to God for her achievements as well.
Jamaica's 4x100m men's relay team
After what Usain Bolt says will be his final Olympic race, the victorious Jamaican 4x100m relay team join together in prayer.
USA's Abbey D'Agostino
Abbey D'Agostino's kind gesture captured the hearts of spectators around the world. In response to questions about her bold display of Olympic and Christian spirit, she said: "God prepared my heart to respond in that way." Along with Nikki Hamblin, the New Zealand competitor that she helped up after a fall, D'Agostino received the prestigious Pierre de Coubertin medal. The rare award is given to those who show tremendous sportsmanship during the Games.
Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro
Juan Martin del Potro prayed openly after his win in the tennis men's singles quarterfinals. He went on to take the Olympic silver medal in the competition.
Most Read
-
The return of Donald Trump and why it is so significant
-
Sex abuse, scandal and an incompetent Archbishop
-
Church of England covered up 'prolific and abhorrent' John Smyth abuse, independent review finds
-
New mission associations being launched to advance the Gospel across Africa
-
Thousands participate in first ever 'March for Jesus' in Dublin to share hope of the gospel, pray for Ireland
-
Justin Welby resigns as Archbishop of Canterbury
More News
-
Seven tips to overcome the political divide and befriend your opponents
-
Democrat or MAGA, left or right, liberal or conservative: is it possible to overcome our hostile political divides?
-
Honouring the songs of my childhood
-
What do the words of John Winthrop in 1630 have to do with the US elections in 2024?
-
The secular sacrament of abortion
-
Justin Welby's position on gay sex is not only theologically indefensible, it's logically irreconcilable