Several athletes give thanks to God in Tokyo Olympics

When The Tokyo Olympic Games 2020 began in July this year in Japan,  Jesus Film Project and Athletes in Action (AIA) developed a 17-day Virtual Global Prayer Journey with a vision to see thousands of believers praying for each country of the day, lifting up the same requests before the throne of God.

Reports show that several participants have been vocal in their faith during the games, whether it was breaking world records or simply for the chance to compete.

Fiji men’s rugby sevens team united in song on the field. “We have overcome, we have overcome, by the blood of the Lamb, in the Word of the Lord, we have overcome,” they sang in their native language.

Sing it loud and proud, Fiji rugby! What great voices! #TokyoOlympics pic.twitter.com/QdG3lT6MsW

— #TokyoOlympics (@NBCOlympics) July 29, 2021

Breaking into praise and worship songs is not uncommon for the Fiji men’s rugby team.

“We always start with our prayers and songs, and we always end with our prayers and songs. That song says that our God is a loving God and that while we always tend to go stray from what He expects from us, He still loves us, and gives us good things,” captain Jerry Tuwai.

The Fiji team won the finals of the Olympics drubbing New Zealand 27-12.

Peruth Chemutai became the first Ugandan woman to win an Olympic gold medal in any sport when she triumphed in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase. The 22-year-old clocked a time of 9:01.45 to finish.

TOKYO, JAPAN – AUGUST 04: Peruth Chemutai of Team Uganda celebrates as she wins the gold medal in the Women’s 3000m Steeplechase Final on day twelve of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 04, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo/Courtesy)

Five weeks after setting a world record and becoming the first woman to finish under 52 seconds in the 400-meter hurdles (51.90), Sydney McLaughlin went even faster in the Tokyo Olympic final. She crossed in 51.46 seconds to lower the world’s best time, and become an Olympic champion in the process.

Sydney McLaughlin of the US after winning the women’s 400m hurdles final. Photograph: Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times/Shutterstock

“All the glory to God,” McLaughlin told NBC following that victory. “Honestly, this season just working with my new coach and my new support system, it’s truly just faith and trusting the process. I couldn’t ask for anything more and truly it is all a gift from God.”

USA wrestler Tamyra Mensah-Stock also won a gold medal for her country. When asked to comment on her athletic achievement, she responded: “It’s by the grace of God I’m even able to move my feet.”

We need to protect this woman at all costs… An infectious beam of positivity, her spirit is undeniable. What an incredible representative of our sport and our great country. This interview is so emotional! We are SO proud of you! 🇺🇸 #TMS @MensahTamStock pic.twitter.com/372k1gpu0O

— The Wrestling Room (Pat Mineo) (@MrPatMineo) August 3, 2021