Misty Hyman Almost Quit

MISTY HYMAN ALMOST QUIT swimming due to a rule change and health problems. But after changing her mind, she returned to garner a 2000 Olympic gold medal.

The 21-year-old swimmer perfected a unique underwater fish kick that brought her times to an elite level. However, FINA, the sport’s international governing body, banned the maneuver in 1999, which forced Hyman to alter her style. The ruling, combined with her continual sinus and asthma difficulties, almost caused the Phoenix, Arizona, native to walk away from the sport just months prior to the Games in Sydney, Australia.

Few considered the first-time Olympian a serious threat in the 200-meter butterfly. Australia’s Susie O’Neill, who had broken the event’s 19-year-old record the previous May, was rated as the favorite.

Prior to the start, the crowd of 17,500 filled the venue with shouts for O’Neill, their hometown hero, affectionately known as “Madame Butterfly.” But a small contingent of Americans shouted, “U-S-A, U-S-A” to encourage Hyman.

The American surged to an early lead and held a body-length margin over the Australian at the 150-meter mark. O’Neill pushed valiantly but never caught Hyman as she swam a personal best and pulled the biggest early upset of the Games. She captured the gold in an Olympic record time of 2:05.88, only .07 off O’Neill’s world-record pace. O’Neill claimed the silver at 2:06.58, and fellow Australian Petria Thomas took the bronze at 2:07.12.

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POINT Some people joke that it’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind. Actually, people can change their mind anytime—and often they should. Misty Hyman rightly reversed her decision to compete and captured Olympic gold as a result.

But sometimes people who change their mind cause difficulties. We can’t depend on them. They promise and don’t come through. They talk big, but they don’t follow their words with action.

However, we can depend on God. He always does what he says. He always keeps his promises.

GOAL! Think of a time you’ve changed your mind and things turned out well. Remember another time when the opposite happened. Thank God that you can depend on him to never change. Praise him for always keeping his promises.