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. Though it was a great win, 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.

Story from Power to Change