While much controversy has surrounded around the opening ceremony of the Olympics, Christian athletes competing this year are praising God for all that He’s doing through them.
Olympic swimmer Hunter Armstrong, who just took gold in the men’s 4 x 100-meter freestyle relay, told the Baptist Press that God will always be the greatest priority in his life.
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“As we grow, we have to make sure we have our priorities in line. I keep God as a priority. I can’t really live without him. I can live without swimming or being an Olympian or any of that stuff,” he told the outlet.
Armstrong recognizes that God uses both the mountains and the valleys of our lives to bring about His plans and purposes. After experiencing a painful break-up with a woman he planned to marry and the death of his grandfather, Armstrong sees how it is God alone that we cannot live without.
“The biggest catalyst for change in life tends to be pain,” he said. “Sometimes God will put you in a position where you have no other choice than to turn to Him.”
Brazilian skateboarder Rayssa Leal also used her bronze medal win to glorify the Lord.
The Christian Post shared a tweet that featured the 16-year-old athlete who used sign language to reference John 14:6, that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.
Hezly Rivera of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team also thanked God for her big win on Instagram.
“Olympic gold medalist,” she wrote. “Couldn’t be more thankful and super proud of this team!”
Rivera also referenced Isaiah 40:31 which reads, “But those who wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.”
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Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
Charisma Staff 
Eddie Hyatt