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It's a painfully clear memory for me. The 500-metre speedskating heats at the 1994 Winter Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway. Early in the race, I caught an edge, hit the ice and crashed into the barrier.
That was a definite career low, especially knowing millions of fans were watching on TV. It took months before I could find the courage to skate again. During that time, I found myself asking why this had to happen to me.
Prior to the Olympics, everything had been going well. But now I began to notice that not only myself, but a number of top athletes seemed unhappy. So I started looking for answers. I met someone who explained to me who Jesus is-how he could answer my questions and how I could know him on a personal level. Not long after, I asked Jesus to be the biggest part of my life.
Turning my life over to God was a difficult thing because it meant that I had to give Him control of my life. Everything in our society is geared towards having more, and that's the way I am, too. I'm determined and stubborn that I will get more by pushing myself. But I found that the more I tried the less happy I was. I learned that life is better when I give everything to God. I know that no matter what I do I'm always loved and everything is going to be okay.
Now there's a peace in my life, and I know that Jesus is a part of everything I do, on or off the ice. My focus has changed, knowing that I don't have to worry about results. It really becomes simple. I put in the training and technically I know what to do. Then I just go out and skate as well as I can and leave the rest up to the Lord.
That's the attitude I took with me to Nagano, Japan for the 1998 Winter Games. I knew that no matter how well I did, Jesus would be there for me. This time around I skated well, and captured the gold medal in the 500-metre race. And though it was great to win the Olympic Gold again in Salt Lake City, I know it's my relationship with Jesus that gives me true significance. He loves me, brings joy to my life and gives me peace. With him, my life is truly fulfilling.
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