Elite Athletes Encounter GodSample

Anything is possible

Heinz Inniger (Switzerland)
World Championship Bronze Medalist and 11 x World Cup Podium in Snowboarding

Successful snowboarding professional despite of juvenile disease

If someone would have told me years ago: “One day you will become a World Cup winner and World Champion medal-winner”, then I probably would have answered: “Impossible!”. 

When I was 12 years old, I suddenly started to limp. After multiple medical examinations, I was told that I had a rare disease called Morbus Perthes in my left hip. I had to wear a splint for two and a half years to relieve my left leg. That was a difficult time for me. I couldn’t understand why it had to be me. During this time, I gave my life to Jesus Christ and I was able to experience how He helped me deal with my disease. At the age of 15 I was able to remove my splint and walk normal again. That was an incredible feeling! The muscle that completely receded had to be built up again. So, I started to do sports. 

As a 17-year-old I stood on a snowboard for the first time and I had such a great time. Already after a short time my talent was noticeable, and I was able to make big progress without much training. 

Year after year I could work myself closer to the top. I felt that God wanted to be part of my journey as an athlete. However once in a while I had doubts about being able to keep up with the world’s best snowboarders despite my juvenile disease. When I had my breakthrough at the age of 23, and won my first world cup race on Mt. Bachelor, I knew that with God’s help it was possible. Meanwhile I won four World Cup races, participated in the Olympic Games in Turin, and also won a bronze medal at the World Championships in Arosa. 

Being able to turn my hobby into a profession felt like a reimbursement to me for the hard times that I had to go through as a teenager. 

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.