What is it Like to be an Olympian? 1 Cor. 9:24

Are you one of us who are watching the Olympics, cheering for athletes in the various sports or maybe just watching the drama of performance?

What is it like to be an Olympian? What training and commitment does it take? What does it feel like to receive a medal or to just miss?

The Apostle Paul, who also lived during the time of Olympics, writes to us to be an Olympian in our desire to do our best. His words of encouragement are to be focused and disciplined in our living to God’s glory as an athlete is focused on their best performance. Run the race knowing the prize that is to be received. Do it with purpose, self-control, and personal committed effort. Paul writes, “Run that you may obtain the prize.” Are you ready?  “Runners on your mark!”

Question: When did the original Olympics begin in Greece?

Answer: The most widely accepted inception date for the Ancient Olympics is 776 BC; this is based on inscriptions, found at Olympia, listing the winners of a footrace held every four years starting in 776 BC. The Ancient Games featured running events, a pentathlon (consisting of a jumping event, discus and javelin throws, a foot race, and wrestling), boxing, wrestling, pankration, and equestrian events. Tradition has it that Coroebus, a cook from the city of Elis, was the first Olympic champion.