Friends Can Help Athletes

FRIENDS CAN HELP ATHLETES accomplish bigger and better things. Casey FitzRandolph and Kip Carpenter discovered that as they squared off against each other in the 500-meter speed-skating finals at the 2002 Olympics.

In his first 500-meter run, FitzRandolph led the field with an Olympic-record time of 34.42 seconds. But 1998 gold-medal winner and world-record holder Hiroyasu Shimizu of Japan loomed as a formidable challenger. Shimizu boldly predicted he would break his own world record of 34.32.

After racing on Monday morning, the two Americans spent the afternoon engaged in FitzRandolph’s favorite pastime—watching televised hunting and fishing programs. The outdoorsy show enabled both men to relax and prepare for the following day.

Shimizu raced in the next-to-last heat in the final runs. But instead of breaking the record, he clocked 34.65, giving him a total of 1:09.26. FitzRandolph needed a 34.84 on his final run to capture the gold, and Carpenter required a 34.58.

Somewhat shaky at the start, FitzRandolph hit a pylon and wobbled momentarily. However, he recovered and finished at 34.81, winning the gold. His friend Kip Carpenter came in at 34.79, claiming the bronze.

For the first time since 1980, an American earned a medal in the 500 meters, and the one-three finish marked the best United States effort in the event since 1952.

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POINT FitzRandolph and Carpenter’s friendship probably helped them relax and perform well at the Olympics. Spending time with a friend makes life richer. Playing on an athletic team with a friend or training with one helps the sport become even more fun. When friends do their best to compete fairly and encourage each other, the relationship grows stronger.

Often athletes don’t join a team or begin training as friends. The bond develops over time. Days, weeks, months, and sometimes years spent together working hard and sharing dreams strengthen the connection.

The Bible uses the word friend or friends more than 150 times. Friendships should be treasured as one of God’s greatest gifts.

GOAL! Think of special friends you’ve made in athletics. Let them know how they’ve helped you. If you don’t have a friend on your team or in your sport, work on developing relationships. Praise God for his gift of friends.