ATHLETE TESTIMONY
ATHLETE TESTIMONY
TOBIN HEATH
Nick Willis
U.S. women's soccer star Tobin Heath understands that her abilities are from God
Despite significant athletic success, Christ has shown New Zealand track and field star Nick Willis what true success really means
U.S. women's national team soccer player Tobin Heath knows that pressure and sports are usually mentioned in the same sentence, but she has a different perspective. "I have never associated soccer with pressure," Heath says. "For me, soccer is a game that brings me great joy. I am extremely grateful that God has blessed me with the ability to play this awesome game." She tries to spend as much time with her family as her schedule allows. She enjoys being with friends and has a love for the ocean. But what brings her joy, she says, is worshiping the Lord. Despite the busy schedule, though, one thing comes first for Tobin. "I try to incorporate God into everything I do. The Lord has put amazing people into my life to keep me accountable and help me walk with God," she says. "I don't find the balance hard because I have given everything over to God to take care of." Now that is a goal worth scoring.
A platform was offered to Nick Willis when he ran to a bronze-medal performance in the 1,500 meters at the Beijing Olympics to become the first New Zealander to medal in the event in 32 years. Winning the medal was a surprise, because he only had the 13th-best time among competitors before the games. But it was his faith and confidence in his ability that helped him stay focused. "My faith is a huge, huge part of it all." says Willis, who has consistently finished at or near the top in the 1,500 meters at the Commonwealth Games. "It's the most important thing in my life. It helps orchestrate who I am as a man, as a husband and as an athlete." In his native New Zealand, where the sport of running is highly valued, Willis grew up watching Olympic footage of world record milers Herb Elliott (Australia), Peter Snell (New Zealand), Jim Ryun (United States) and John Walker (New Zealand). One thing that stuck with Willis was the joy of the third-place finisher. "It's very easy to be driven by worldly success, but Christ has really showed me the rewards to trust in Him," says Willis.
HEART VALUE
HEART VALUE
Heath keeps God at the forefront of everything she does in life, trusting the Lord will always take care of her.
Willis learned to find joy in the outcome of his races, no matter what the finish, because Christ showed him that He is the true reward.
OBEY THE BIBLE
IN SPORT AND PLAY