Elite Athletes Encounter GodSample

Chapel Services – A Performance Free Zone during Olympics & World Championships

Andreas Kofler (Austria)
2 x Olympic Champion and 5 x World Champion in Ski Jumping

What does your faith in Jesus Christ mean to you personally as well as an athlete?

My faith means a lot to me. It helps me persevere, gives me stability and an inner peace. It has a great meaning in my entire life. For me personally and as an athlete - I am simply human. In that sense I don’t distinguish between my personal life and my life as an athlete. 

Why do you take the time to attend a Chapel Service during competitions?

In the midst of the “competition fever”, it can happen that you become unaware of your surroundings. These Chapel Services are very important to me because they break through the competition fever, and bring back my awareness into the here and now.

Do you have an anecdote from your life where your faith specifically helped you?

Yes, during the ski flying World Championships in Vikersund. My faith in God helped me gain more trust and strength during a situation that felt very difficult to me.

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.