Gold medals aren’t really made of gold. They’re made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts.
Dan Gable

The summer Olympics are in progress and I thought it would be apropos to reflect upon one of America’s great Olympians, Dan Gable. Dan was a two-time NCAA Division I national champion, a world gold medalist, and an Olympic gold medalist. He is considered to be one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.

I recall following his exploits when I was in high school. Dan was undefeated throughout high school and college and lost his last match. That loss galvanized his resolve as he went on to the Olympics without being scored upon. He had an incredible work ethic, “When I’d get tired and want to stop, I’d wonder what my next opponent was doing. I’d wonder if he was still working out. I’d tried to visualize him. When I could see him working, I’d start pushing myself.”

As a coach, his teams compiled an amazing record of 355–21–5. He coached 152 all-Americans, 45 national champions, 106 Big Ten Champions and 12 Olympians, including eight medalists.

May we demonstrate that same type of tenacity in our Christian lives:  

Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:25-27)

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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