Twenty-eight sports, from archery to wrestling are underway as The Games of the XXVIII Olympiad begin in Athens, Greece. More than 10,000 athletes from over 200 nations will compete during the next two weeks in the passion that unites our world under the banners of competition and sportsmanship.

But what about the thousands of athletes from around the world who aspired to be part of the Olympiad after years of practice but failed to reach their goal in the Olympic trials?

One such athlete is distance swimmer, Claire Hutchinson, from Maryland. Since age seven Hutchinson has been swimming for the prestigious NBAC (North Baltimore Aquatic Club) and improved her caliber and time enough to qualify for the Olympic Trials this past July in Long Beach, California.

Hutchinson, unique with a 5’3 small build, swims the 800 and 1500 meter free-style posting her best times in the 800 meters at 8 minutes, 42 seconds while her best time in the 1500 meters (almost a mile) is 16 minutes, 41 seconds. 

Water-bound since the age of six, Hutchinson participated in her first national cut at age 14.  Hutchinson, now 17 years old, had the opportunity to train in late spring at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, where she once again made the cut. She traveled with her teammates to Long Beach in July along with Olympic gold medal winner Michael Phelps and Olympian Katie Hoff.  While her aspirations of swimming in Athens came to a disappointing halt in Long Beach, Claire is not one to make excuses, “It was hard but the experience of just being there, seeing the big names and seeing the unknowns step up, was well worth it.”

“What I enjoy most about swimming is the fact that I am very competitive.  I love being with my friends at the pool and working hard,” said Hutchinson.  “I believe that God gives some the natural talent to excel, others have to work at it.  I think I have a little of both.” 

And in case you’re wondering, Claire’s role model is former Olympic gold medalist and world record holder “Mighty Mite” Janet Evans. 

Scripture:
Ephesians 6:10

Music:
In You In Me by Sarah Hart

Prayer:
God, let me play well but fairly. Help me to learn something that matters once the game is over. Let competition make me strong but never hostile. Always let me help my opponent up.
Never catch me rejoicing in the adversity of others. If I know victory, allow me to be happy; if I am denied, keep me from envy. Remind me that sports are just games.
If through athletics I set an example, let it be a good one.
Amen.