Skeleton Is A Wild-looking Sport,

SKELETON IS A WILD-LOOKING SPORT, which athletes may have to be a little crazed to compete in. In the unique event, participants race 50 yards down a frozen track, plop stomach-down on a sled resembling a cafeteria tray, and navigate 15 treacherous curves while traveling nearly 80 mph only three inches above the ice.

After skeleton was taken out of the Winter Olympics in 1948, the International Olympic Committee approved the sledding sport for the 2002 Games. The decision granted American Jim Shea Jr. the opportunity to become the first third-generation Olympian.

Shea’s Olympic roots run deep. In 1932, his grandfather, Jack, captured gold medals in the 500- and 1,500-meter speed-skating competitions. His father, Jim Sr., participated in three cross-country skiing events in 1964. Together the three were asked to carry the Olympic torch into the stadium. However, Jack tragically died at age 91 in an automobile accident a month prior to the 2002 Games.

But Jim Jr. faced more than the loss of his grandfather. After capturing the 1999 World Cup title, he battled a circulatory problem in his left leg. With surgery looming for Shea, most experts rated his teammates Lincoln DeWitt and Chris Soule as America’s best medal hopes.

But Shea refused to yield to his injury and attacked the 4,380-foot course with determination. The American posted the best qualifying time but trailed Austria’s Martin Rettl for first place in the finals.

As the final racer in the final run, Jim knew the time to beat: 1:42.01. Wearing a photograph of his grandfather inside his helmet, Shea crossed the finish line at 1:41.96 to claim the gold.

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POINT What a special moment! Unfortunately, Jack Shea missed saluting his grandson on the medal podium where he had stood 70 years earlier. But Jim Jr. and Jim Sr. held the family’s first Olympian in their hearts.

God made families for us to enjoy, cherish, and remember. Parents and grandparents have the wonderful opportunity to set an example for their children and grandchildren. And children and grandchildren have the ability to emulate the previous generations and bring joy to their family.

GOAL! Take time to visit with older family members. Listen to their stories. Record significant family events, and take a multigenerational picture together. Thank the heavenly Father for your earthly family.