The Paris 2024 Olympics officially begin today with the genre-busting opening ceremony down the Seine, setting off a two-and-a-half-week festival of sport. Across both the Olympics and Paralympics, nearly 15,000 athletes will take part in 878 medal events, while only 5% will win gold.

The key to sports psychology and supporting Christian athletes is helping them remember why they compete and the joy of their sport. Because they’ll inevitably face pressure both internally and externally to perform.

God delighted in making the world and, as those made in his image, we’re wired to reflect his delight in and enjoyment of the world. Sport is just one way in which we can delight in our bodies and his creation. We love sport, and we love watching the Olympics, because God wired us that way.

Psalm 19:4–5 compares the feeling of a victorious athlete with a bridegroom on his honeymoon – both total physical and emotional satisfaction:

‘In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.’

The Bible could not offer much higher praise for the joy to be found in sport than that!

As we watch people from every nation and tongue run fast, jump high, and throw far this summer, there are countless opportunities to experience again the joy that comes from doing or watching something God designed every sportsperson and fan to love. And as we ourselves get out and run, swim, or whatever we love to do and we experience that joy, we can share it with others.

In the film Chariots of Fire, the 1924 Olympian Eric Liddell says: ‘I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast, and when I run, I feel his pleasure.’

For Olympians this summer, experiencing this joy will help them in the ups and especially in the downs over the next few weeks. For us, whatever our hobby, there is a striking witness when we acknowledge the gifts and passions we have are God-given and participate in them joyfully and with thanksgiving.

So, be it at your local club, on your sports team, or watching your child’s athletics day, continue to do what you were made to do. Enjoy this golden moment, whatever the outcome. Let’s count every blessing, and thank God for his created world.

Jonny Reid
Jonny writes for Christians in Sport and is the Director of Engagement at Oak Hill College.