Quick Quotes from the Quickest Woman on Earth

Quick Quotes from the Quickest Woman on Earth – Allyson Felix

My wife was on the Los Angeles Baptist High School athletics team with a young, talented girl named Allyson Felix. While Kim was setting school pole vaulting records, Allyson was doing the same on the track.

Fast-forward a decade and half or so…

Allyson Felix wins gold for 200m dash in London Olympics!

Dr. Paul Felix was one of my Greek professors at The Master’s Seminary. We opened every class with prayer requests, and occasionally his were for his daughter, Allyson. We prayed that she would use her athletic gifts for God’s glory. So it is with great jubilation that today we give God glory for answered prayers. Not for the shiny metal she won last night, but that her radiant testimony of God’s grace shines like gold.

Nate Busenitz found some great quotes, which I’d like to share…

Here’s what she said in her interview with Sports Illustrated:

My running is a gift from God; My success is not of myself. I know that my actions on and off the track should be a reflection of God, because people watch what you do and what you say. My father taught me that.

The Baptist Press highlighted this testimony to her parents:

My faith is definitely the most important aspect of my life. My dad is a pastor and I grew up in a very strong Christian home. Our family was very involved in our church. I came to know Jesus Christ as my personal savior at a very young age. Ever since then, I have continually been striving to grow in my relationship with God.

And she gave hope to us parents of PK’s the world over with this USA Today quote:

Growing up as a preacher’s kid has really grounded me. I’ve grown up with these amazing parents who are hard workers, and they truly live out their faith. They’ve been amazing role models for me. I feel like I really picked up on what they taught me and kept that with me all along in my running and in my career.

She reminds me of the Olympian Eric Liddel (of Chariot’s of Fire fame), who said, “God made me fast, and when I run I feel His pleasure!”