LONDON, UK (ANS) -- Who could not recall the great Ethiopian 10,000 meter runner at the Sydney Olympics Haile Gebrselassie who having won the Gold Medal, and demonstrating his personal love for the Lord Jesus, and within the culture of his Christian Coptic community, gave his precious medal to the Lord through his church.

Haile Gebrselassie in action

We will not see Haile Gebrselassie in London on the track. The 39-year-old two-time Olympic 10,000 meters champion - who had already missed out on a marathon berth - said his hopes had been dashed after his disappointing performance against 12 compatriots.

Having won the event at four World Championships and at two Olympics Haile Gebrselassie is a true legend of his nation, athletics, the world titles and the Olympics. (http://www.smh.com.au/sport/olympics-2012/gebrselassie-misses-chance-for-london-20120528-1zfhp.html )

However, his most treasured component of his inner-being is his personal devotion to the Lord who he acknowledges has given him such physical endowments to compete for so long in such grueling track events.

As the Well-Being Australia chairman I have been involved in Olympic Ministry since the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and was there in Sydney when Haile Gebrselassie gave his Olympic Gold Medal to the Lord.

Special nightly event in London

This is one of my most precious Olympic Ministry memories, an experience of blessing and tears as my heart sang to the Lord Jesus in such a momentous situation. The media was all over the story.

It was even more telling that in his own country where he is hailed as a Champion of Champions in athletics, as a national hero and a Statesman in a country where there was a political, military and religious divide.

Christian courage comes in many forms. At the Olympic Games it is hailed in the physical arena of great sporting achievements. When the two are combined it makes a huge splash.

Angela Harris

Lay Witnesses for Christ International (LWFCI) led by Dr Sam Mings and his international team, many former Olympians, are here in London taking this message to both fellow Olympians and those who have come to enjoy the Olympic experience.

Australian L.A. Olympic swimmer Angela Harris is in London with the LEFCI team. Australia's Reverend Dr. David Smethurst is there as part of our Media Team sending back articles, along with World Champion Canoeist Jonathan Mayne.

There are also real champions, champions for Jesus as is the entire LWFCI team: Bridging the Gap 2012 UK Outreach.


 

Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognized by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children. Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html and his e-mail address is: info@markt.id.au