Elite Athletes Encounter GodSample

Performance-free identity

Bettina Tall (Switzerland)
3 x Swiss Junior Champion in Slalom, Downhill and Alpine Combined 

I am a competitive person. Since I was little, I compared myself to others and their performance. In school I wanted to make the best grades, and be the best in gym class. Especially in skiing, I wanted to prove myself!

To arrive at the finish line and win was an incredible feeling. This rush makes you addicted. Not only the thrill from my own performance, but also the approval of the coaches and the contenders became my main motivation. I became extremely disciplined, goal oriented, and trained very hard, which all helped me achieve my goals…

One of these goals was to become part of the Swiss National Ski Team. Another one was to qualify for the Youth Olympics. In addition to these, I became a triple Swiss Junior Champion in Slalom, Downhill, and in Combination. During that time, I was the second best in the world during my year in the FIS points list. Everything could have continued like this with only one goal in mind: competing in the Winter Olympics in Vancouver 2010. 

But it all came differently than expected. During a glacier training in Austria I suffered from a cruciate ligament rupture. I didn’t recover fast enough. The fear of a new injury and the pressure to perform blocked me. The first failure was the initial spark of a downward spiral in my life. I was skiing slower and slower, yet I kept putting more pressure on myself. The recognition was gone. The success was gone. My goals unreached. I started to doubt and wonder about the meaning of life. “Ski fast and then get upset over seconds or hundredths? Could there maybe be more?” My identity was once my success in skiing. Now I was a failure!

During this time at an event I heard about Jesus and what God had planned with Him. I suddenly realized that I was unhappy because I was in the center of my life and not God. I heard that God wanted to be my Father, friend and helper and that He is really cool. Moreover, I understood that Jesus bridged the chasm between God and me, and that He died to wipe out all of my failures. One thing suddenly became clear: “Jesus is the only way to a purpose-filled and eternal life.” I decided to go on this journey with God in the center, so to speak, as, “Big Boss”.

I continued in my Ski racing career for another year, however with less success. However, nothing in this world could rob me from the peace and joy that I experienced in my heart. My identity became a different one. I was the daughter of the almighty. No matter how fast I skied, I felt precious outside of my performance. After another injury (a herniated disc) and giving it careful consideration, I decided to step back from ski racing. After my resignation, God gave me a very fulfilled life and I don’t regret this decision for a minute. A life with God as my friend is the very best!

Meanwhile, I am now a qualified ballet teacher at the Royal Academy of Dance, and a student of kinesiology and sports at the ETH University in Zurich. 

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.