David Boudia And Steele Johnson Aren't Silver Medalists | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

David Boudia And Steele Johnson Aren't Silver Medalists

A spectator's view on the USA Diving Duo, Boudia and Johnson.

19
David Boudia And Steele Johnson Aren't Silver Medalists
DailyMail.com

In July, I stumbled across an interview floating around Facebook of two athletes addressing their identity in Christ and praising God for their successes. In absolute admiration of their composure and grace while speaking on a national platform, I made sure to follow them through the Olympics.

On August 8th, synchronized divers, David Boudia and Steele Johnson, snagged silver medals finishing behind the China in the 2016 Olympics held in Rio de Janerio, Brazil. While watching their performance, I was in utter awe of their technique and level of competition. Then I starting thinking of the endless training, life choices, and limits (or lack thereof) these men have to place on themselves. These guys have mastered the art of self-discipline in terms of nutrition, exercise, and balance, as well as the feat of flawless teamwork by executing multiple synchronized dives while on the biggest stage in the world. After their top notch performance, Boudia and Johnson were interviewed and I decided these guys are not silver medalists.

They are gold.

Just like the video I saw earlier, David and Steele were poised, joyful, and grateful providing not only a testimony to Team USA but to The Lord. Granted, I am not one for public speaking, so I am in admiration of their interview alone - the courage it takes to speak knowing millions of eyes are watching. But more so, I am inspired by the humility shown as they turned the glory away from themselves and directed it to it's proper place.

The best part is, it's not all talk. Interviewers for the Olympics rush to get the latest reactions and responses from medalists. Oftentimes, the athletes don't even have a chance to catch their breath. The interviews the media get are raw; it's not rehearsed, scheduled, or staged. The moment an athlete medals there's a camera in his or her face capturing the excitement, disappointment, or pure emotion.

I'm so impressed with Boudia and Johnson because in the heat of the moment, the celebration of being one of the best in the world - a time so tempting to gloat and glorify the self - they were not celebrating themselves. Instead, they celebrated the gifts God gave them.

Imagine: four years of rigorous training, strict diets, endless stress and publicity, early morning work outs, and late nights dreaming of Rio, nightmares too (and I'm sure SO much more). You prove yourself on the world's largest stage. You nail it. You are now one of the best at what you do. You don't have to say it, you just did. You earned a medal at the Olympics.

And instead of bottling up the praise and fueling your pride, you turn it to someone else. Someone they can't see on the screen and doesn't speak on His own behalf. You say, "I didn't win, it's Him working through me." The audience either thinks you're crazy or on to something greater. Somehow the thought of those extremes don't get to you, because there, in that moment of raw emotion, you're not considering what others think of you. You're awestruck in what God has done through you. Tears and all.

That's true humility.

Stay gold, David and Steele. Stay gold.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

185807
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

11970
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

455767
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25272
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments