The 2026 Winter Olympics are here, and while the world is glued to their screens watching jaw-dropping jumps, gravity-defying spins, and edge-of-your-seat finishes, there’s another story playing out behind the medals and podiums. It’s the story of faith—faith that’s as much a part of these athletes’ lives as their training regimens and pre-competition rituals.
For many of Team USA’s athletes, the road to the Olympics has been paved with more than just sweat and grit. It’s also been marked by prayer, trust, and a deep reliance on their faith. These athletes are showing us that their journey to the Games is not just about chasing gold but about glorifying God in the process.
Faith as a Foundation: Stories from Team USA
Jadin O’Brien: Bobsleigh Star Guided by Faith
Picture this: You’re 23 years old, the youngest member of Team USA’s women’s bobsleigh team, and you’re about to barrel down an icy track at 80 miles per hour. Terrifying, right? But for Jadin O’Brien, faith is the steady anchor that keeps her grounded amidst the chaos.
Her journey to the Olympics hasn’t exactly been a smooth ride. Grueling training sessions, injuries, and sacrifices have tested her resolve. But through it all, her Catholic faith has been her lifeline.
“There are days when the training gets tough, and I feel like giving up,” O’Brien shared in a recent interview. “But my faith reminds me that I’m part of something bigger than myself. Competing at the Olympics is not just about winning medals; it’s about glorifying God through the talents He has given me.”
Her go-to Scripture? Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It’s the verse she whispers before every race, reminding her that her strength comes from above.
Britta Curl-Salemme: A Hockey Player with a Mission
On the ice, Britta Curl-Salemme is a force to be reckoned with—a forward on Team USA’s women’s hockey team. But off the ice, her Catholic faith is what fuels her purpose.
“Hockey is a game, but my faith is eternal,” Curl-Salemme explained. “Knowing that God is with me, whether I win or lose, gives me the courage to play with freedom and joy.”
Curl-Salemme is also big on community. She shared how her teammates often pray together before games, creating a bond that goes beyond hockey. It’s a reminder that faith isn’t just personal—it’s something we carry together.
Faith in the Face of Adversity
Let’s be real: the road to the Olympics isn’t all gold medals and glory. It’s injuries, setbacks, and moments when quitting feels like the easier option. But for many athletes, faith becomes the fuel that keeps them going.
One U.S. figure skater shared how prayer and meditation are essential to their mental preparation. “When I step onto the ice, I’m not just skating for myself. I’m skating for my family, my country, and my faith. It’s a humbling experience, and it keeps me focused on what really matters,” they said.
Faith and the Olympic Spirit
Here’s the thing about the Olympics: it’s not just about who crosses the finish line first or lands the perfect jump. It’s a celebration of perseverance, unity, and the human spirit. And for Team USA’s faith-driven athletes, those values are deeply tied to their spiritual beliefs.
The Archdiocese of Milan, which is hosting several Olympic events, put it beautifully: “The Olympics are an opportunity to witness the beauty of human effort and the divine spark within each of us.”
The Role of Faith-Based Communities
Back home, faith-based communities across the U.S. are rallying behind Team USA. Churches and religious groups are hosting watch parties, praying for the athletes, and drawing inspiration from their stories.
In Colorado, where many ski and snowboard athletes train, one pastor said, “These athletes are role models, not just for their athletic achievements but for their character and faith. They show us what it means to persevere, to trust in God, and to use our gifts for a greater purpose.”
Lessons from Team USA’s Faith-Driven Athletes
So, what can we learn from these incredible athletes?
- Use Your Talents to Honor God
Whether you’re skating on Olympic ice or just trying to make it through your Monday morning meeting, your gifts are meant to glorify God. These athletes remind us to use what we’ve been given for something bigger than ourselves. - Lean on Your Community
None of us are meant to do life alone. These athletes rely on their teammates, families, and faith communities to keep them grounded. Who’s in your corner? And who are you supporting? - Resilience Comes from Faith
Life will throw curveballs—or, in Olympic terms, unexpected falls on the ice. But faith gives us the strength to get back up, dust ourselves off, and keep going.
Faith in Action
As we watch the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold, let’s take a moment to reflect on the stories behind the medals. For these athletes, faith isn’t just a side note—it’s the foundation of everything they do.
Their journeys remind us that success isn’t just about talent or hard work. It’s about purpose. It’s about knowing who you are and Whose you are.
So, as you cheer for Team USA, let their stories inspire you. Pursue your own goals with the same determination. Lean on your faith when life gets tough. And remember, your ultimate purpose is bigger than any gold medal.
Because at the end of the day, every victory—on the ice, on the slopes, or in the everyday challenges of life—is an opportunity to glorify God.
Sources:
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- America Magazine: Olympic Athletes Leaning on Christian Faith
- Religion Unplugged: 5 Winter Olympians Who Rely on Faith in the Quest for Gold
- Catholic Review: Milan Archdiocese and Olympic Values
- National Catholic Register: Jadin O’Brien’s Olympic Journey