“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” -Romans 5:3-5
The 2024 Summer Olympics begin today with the opening ceremonies. For sixteen days, some of the world’s greatest athletes will compete for personal and national pride. They have been training for years with one goal, to win a gold medal. The Olympics are one of the most exciting sporting events in the world.
I have been thinking about the upcoming Olympics and thinking about some of the great Olympic stories of the past. I was reminded of Dave Wottle. Dave Wottle is known as the gold medalist in the golf cap. He competed in one of the most famous races in modern Olympic history, during the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany. He represented the United States in the 800-meter run. He raced against a formidable group of athletes from around the world, including a tremendous athlete from the former Soviet Union.
What makes this 800 one of the great races of the Olympics is that Dave Wottle was dead last from almost the beginning of the race. At one point, early in the race, Wottle found himself almost 15 meters behind the next-to-last runner. It seemed as though Dave Wottle would not challenge for a medal and perhaps finish dead last.
To the amazement of everyone watching, Dave Wottle began to close in on the pack. One by one, he began to pass runners. As they made the final turn Wottle began to make a push to catch the leaders. He seemed to have a burst of energy like no one else on the track. He quickly began moving up to the leaders, and with an amazing and powerful stride, he passed the Soviet, Yevgeny Arzhanov. Dave Wottle won the 1972 800-meter gold medal by just an inch.
Wottle’s unlikely, come-from-behind victory is a tremendous reminder to us all that no matter where we find ourselves in life, we must not give up. We must persevere. When we continue to work towards our goals, pray for God’s strength, and never give up, we will find that we can accomplish great things.
Dave Wottle has told his wonderful story to groups all around the world. When asked if he gets tired of talking about the race, he says, “Why would you ever get tired of talking about such a wonderful thing?” For anyone to win a gold medal is an amazing accomplishment. For Dave Wottle, perseverance led to one of the greatest victories in Olympic history. No matter how hard your battle is today keep on going, don’t give up. When you win the victory, it will be even more wonderful.
Rev. Keith King,
