Paralympian thanks Jesus, prays with fellow athletes after race

A Paralympic runner knelt and prayed with his fellow athletes following a race at the World Para Athletics Championships yesterday.

South African sprinter 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!”

‘An honour’

Du Toit was joined by all of his competitors except Egypt’s Mostafa Fathalla Mohamed during the prayer and it was closed with a chorus of Amens.

Great Britain’s Rhys Jones, who finished fifth in the race, also participated.

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

True identity

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.”

God comes first

In this video interview, Boudia explains more about his life in sport, and how God must always come first.

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