The 2024 Paris Olympics kicked off last week and at the time of writing this, the United States has already won over 20 medals. Three of which have been gold medals, eight silver, and nine bronze. To go to the Olympics as an athlete is because you are one of the best in the world at your sport. To win an Olympic medal, it is because you are the best at your sport. To go to the Olympics is something many athletes and people dream of, but only a handful achieve it… and to medal is even more rare.

But have you ever heard of athletes talking about their experiences at the Olympics? Many are open about their experiences of anxiety during competition, followed by a season of depression once they are done competing. This isn’t just limited to the Olympic games though – this is a common experience for many people once they reach or experience their “life goal.” Once they have made it to the top… with so much life still left to live. Whether it is a CEO of a company, a travel experience, making XYZ amount of money… there is hard work and dedication to get there, but then once they get there – they realize it isn’t the final answer.

The reality is that many of these athletes are having the best moments of their lives during these two weeks – however, once they return home to their respective countries – eventually the “congratulations” are going to end, and society will turn its attention to the next round of talent. Many will enter a season of depression, loss of identity, questioning who they are beyond their sport… I am reminded of what victory looks like by looking at Psalm 118. It isn’t how many medals one brings home from a world competition; it isn’t the title one holds at work… true victory looks like what Jesus Christ accomplished on the cross for God’s children. So, as we cheer on our brothers and sisters in Christ as they excel in their gifts and talents at the Olympics, may we also celebrate the victory that we get to live in every day with the words of Psalm 118, “You are my God, and I will praise you! You are my God, and I will exalt you!”

Questions for reflection:

  1. Take a moment to pray for the athletes around the world competing in Paris. Pray for safety, for calmed nerves, for joy in their sport, and their return back home and upcoming changes.
  2. What is a “life goal” you have that needs recalibration so as not to keep you from celebrating the true victory every day?