Elite Athletes Encounter Godنموونە

More than Conquerors

Gregor Schlierenzauer (Austria)
Olympic Champion (4 Olympic Medals), 12x World Champion (19 medals) & 53 World Cup victories in Ski Jumping 

Gregor Schlierenzauer in the interview with Jörg Walcher on 07.11.12

Why do you take the time to visit a Chapel Service during the World Championships, Olympic Games and the Four Hills Tournament?

A Chapel Service offers me an opportunity to let go and talk to God. This enables me to give my best performance and enjoy it. 

Who is Jesus Christ to you?

He is someone who is there for me and that I can come to and share my thoughts and dreams with. He carries my burdens and helps me during certain situations in life. 

You are currently the youngest ski flying world champion. At 22 years of age you’ve won almost all of the titles. What does success mean to you? 

What matters is what kind of goal you set for yourself. For me success means inner contentment, and the confirmation that the hard work paid off. It’s a great privilege to once have been successful. Many work hard for it and never make it. That’s why success is not everything, but it is something special. Recently, I was asked the question by a journalist what it feels like to be a star. Well, I am star in my type of sport, but also a doctor who successfully executed a heart transplantation is a star. Every human being has a unique calling, something that he or she carries out with excellence. You should live out your calling.

How do you deal with failure?

Every failure is a chance to grow. Many things turned out well for me in my life. The past two years taught me many things, because I had to deal with a few small setbacks and failures. They weren’t the most successful, but I learned a lot, and they greatly influenced my personality. 

Gregor, since you were born you have been deaf on your left ear. How do you cope with this handicap?

I don’t view it as a handicap. It also doesn’t cause any problems for my balance. I am more sensitive in this way. I will never know how it will be when I am grey and old (he laughs). You also don’t need to hear everything others are saying. With my healthy ear, I hear what I want to hear. 

Do you have a Bible verse that means a lot to you?

Yes, the one you wrote into the Bible you gifted me at the World Championships in Oslo which says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles…(Isaiah 40:31). This one fits very well with ski jumping!

Action Step

God also wants to encounter YOU. Invite the Holy Spirit to read the bible passage with you and expect that he will speak to you. Trust that God will show you the steps you should take in your own life. Ask Him for strength and courage to follow his voice.