One week ago, after years in the making, the Tokyo Olympics finally drew to a close. The Games gave us all a little respite from the many challenges we've faced globally with COVID, and it was a joy to see athletes and nations coming together to share their talents for us all to witness.
However, during the Olympics there were some standout stories that grabbed our attention, and showed us that these sportsmen and women are so much more than their gold medals:
The Miraculous Medal
Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz brought so much joy to her nation when she brought home their first ever gold medal. However, she also made Catholics all over the world rejoice when she showed her Miraculous Medal for all to see.
Faithful sportsmen and women
These athletes are more than happy to share their faith for the world to see, and no doubt this gave them great strength as they battled for gold.
Overcoming obstacles
Getting to Tokyo proved very tricky for many athletes. Here are just a few stories of what these sportsmen and women did to be able to stick to their strict training schedules.
Timely reminder
When the world seems to seek perfection more and more, the story of this incredible swimmer really put everything in perspective and reminded us how blessed our lives are.
Giving thanks
While athletes look for the glory in gold, these rugby players from Fiji won our hearts when their reaction to winning the rugby sevens was all about raising their voices to God.
Sharing the love
Freestyle wrestler Tamyra Mariama Mensah-Stock's video on winning gold brought huge smiles to our faces. Her smile and gratitude was contagious and reminded us that we're all in God's hands.
Sharing the gold
The generous act of these two high jumpers sums up exactly what the Olympic Games is all about.
Efforts to encourage
Although this Japanese gentleman was not an athlete, his daily act of encouraging athletes to believe in themselves inspired many, and reminded us that we all have a role in play in making life more beautiful.
Relying on prayer
An American marathon runner impressed the world when she unexpectedly won a bronze medal in her third-ever marathon. She called on St. Jude for a little help to get her over the finishing line, but it looks like he also gave her an extra boost.
Spiritual influence
While this story has nothing to do with individual gold medals, it speaks of the origins of the Games, and how a French Dominican shared his beliefs and motto with the founding father of the modern Olympics so that children everywhere could grow in strength and faith.
