Christian sprinter gives thanks to God after winning gold

A Christian sprinter has given thanks to God after winning gold at the World Athletics Championships in London.

Wayde van Niekerk described his victory in the men’s 400m final as a “massive honour”.

The 25-year-old is the latest in a number of athletes who have spoken openly of their Christian beliefs.

‘Great blessing’

Speaking after the race, van Niekerk said: “I thank the Lord each and every day for this great blessing and this great opportunity that I have.”

This is not the first time the South African sprinter has spoken about his faith.

After he won gold and set a new world record at the Rio Olympics in 2016, he said: “I leave every race, every step that I take in his hands.

“I trust him in everything I do. He’s the one that blessed me with this talent.”

I thank the Lord each and every day for this great blessing and this great opportunity that I have.

Wayde van Niekerk

‘An honour’

Last month, a Paralympic runner knelt and prayed with his fellow athletes following a race at the World Para Athletics Championships.

Charl du Toit, who finished second in the men’s T37 100m final, gave thanks and praise to Jesus in his prayer, which was beamed to millions of viewers around the world.

He was heard saying: “I thank you for your help to finish the race and we love you Jesus, thank you very, very much. Amen!”

Du Toit shared a video of the moment on his Twitter page saying: “It was an honor racing with these CHAMPS last night!”

‘Identity in Christ’

And last year, US diving pair David Boudia and Steele Johnson gave thanks to Christ after winning a silver medal at the Rio Olympics.

Speaking to broadcaster NBC, Boudia said that he and Johnson are not defined by their sport.

He said, “we both know that our identity is in Christ, and we’re thankful for this opportunity to be able to dive in front of Brazil and in front of the United States”.