Elite Athletes Encounter GodНамуна

“Just do it!”

Benni Raich (Austria)
2x Olympic- & 8x World Champion in Alpine Skiing 

Benni Raich in the interview with Jörg Walcher on 06.29.2012

How do you live out your faith?

I always had the feeling that there was something more and that God gives me strength. I prefer a Chapel in the forest. I like to withdraw myself to that place to speak with God. I pray and reflect with God. This makes me become a better person. 

Do you pray before a race?

My faith in God helps me. Sometimes I like to make a quick prayer before the race. Of course everyone wants to be successful, but I don’t pray that I will win, rather that I will make it down the course safely. After a prayer I often trust that everything will work out for the best. 

Do you read the Bible?

When I read about the Sermon on the Mount, or the parables like, “Having the faith like a mustard seed” I ask myself how can I put the words of Jesus into practice in my own life? At first, the Bible seemed hard to understand, but one day I found a Bible in a Swiss hotel room. They had a special page with specific topics and the matching Bible passages. I copied that page, and still carry it with me to this day!

Do you have someone you can talk to about your faith?

I love to discuss things. It’s not always an option for me to talk about it with my coaches or other athletes. It’s not that easy to find the right person to discuss questions from the Bible with.

Do you pray to God when you are doing well? Or when not doing so well?

From my most successful moments to when my sister-in-law received her baby, I talked with God throughout them all. I am very thankful to Him for that. I think it is important to hold onto this attitude of gratefulness in all circumstances. 

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.