As the world anticipates the upcoming Winter Games in Milano Cortina, the spotlight often falls on physical prowess and record breaking times. Yet for a select group of elite athletes, the cold ice and snow served as a backdrop for a much deeper spiritual fire. These competitors did not just chase gold medals but also pursued a higher calling that continues to inspire millions.
This unique intersection of high performance sport and devout Catholicism offers a fascinating look into the minds of champions. We explore the journeys of six athletes who carried their rosary beads alongside their equipment bags. They proved that faith and endurance are often cut from the same cloth.
Speed Skater Swaps Spandex For A Habit
Few stories in Olympic history are as compelling as that of Kirstin Holum. She competed for the United States at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics at just 17 years old. The daughter of Olympic legend Dianne Holum, Kirstin was a powerhouse in the 3,000 meters and 5,000 meters events.
She set a junior world record and placed sixth in the 3,000 meters. Analysts predicted she would dominate the podium in the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. However, Holum felt a pull stronger than the allure of gold.
A Higher Calling
Holum shocked the sporting world when she retired shortly after her Olympic debut to join the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal. Now known as Sister Catherine, she traded her speed skates for a religious habit and her race for the poor.
- Olympic Feat: 6th place, 3,000m (1998 Nagano)
- Current Role: Sister Catherine, serving the destitute in England and the US.
- Key Quote: She once noted that the discipline of training for the Olympics was the perfect preparation for religious life.
Her radical choice remains a powerful testament to prioritizing spiritual wealth over worldly fame. She continues to serve the community today.
The Figure Skating Queen Who Found Light
Yuna Kim is arguably the most famous figure skater in South Korean history. Fans adore her as “Queen Yuna” for her elegance and technical perfection. She secured the gold medal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and followed it up with a silver in Sochi in 2014.
Her journey to the Catholic faith began during a dark period of injury in 2008. While receiving treatment, she connected with Catholic doctors and a priest who offered her solace not through proselytizing but through genuine care.
The Rosary On Ice
Kim was baptized in 2008 and took the name “Stella” after Mary, Star of the Sea. She became known for praying on the ice before performances. She frequently wore a rosary ring during competitions which many fans initially mistook for an engagement ring. Her public witness sparked a wave of interest in Catholicism among her young fanbase in Korea.
Cross Country Skiing With A Pope’s Blessing
Rebecca Dussault represented the US in cross country skiing at the 2006 Turin Games. Unlike many of her peers, Dussault was a mother during her Olympic run which earned her the nickname “Fastest Mom.”
Her faith is deeply intertwined with her sport. She credits Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, an Italian social activist and outdoorsman, as her patron. She famously carried a photograph of Frassati in her racing suit during the Olympics.
Faith in Action
Dussault focuses on “The Theology of the Body” in her post Olympic career. She teaches that physical exertion can be a form of prayer. She emphasizes that the suffering endured in endurance sports brings an athlete closer to understanding the suffering of Christ.
Luge Medals And Hockey Pucks Dedicated To God
The list of faithful Olympians extends to the sliding track and the hockey rink. Erin Hamlin made history as the first female American luger to win an Olympic medal. She took bronze at the 2014 Sochi Games and served as the flag bearer for Team USA in 2018.
Hamlin grew up in a devout Catholic family in New York. She often spoke about how her faith provided a grounding force in a sport where athletes hurtle down an icy track at 80 miles per hour. She kept a rosary in her speed suit during her historic runs.
On The Ice Rink
USA Hockey has also been a home for devout athletes. Gigi Marvin is a two time silver medalist and a gold medalist from the 2018 PyeongChang Games. She is vocal about attending Mass even during the intense schedule of the Olympic tournament.
Marvin relies on scripture to maintain her mental edge. She often cites specific verses that help her battle the anxiety of high stakes competition.
Joining her in this spiritual lineup is Kendall Coyne Schofield. As a captain of the US women’s team, she is one of the fastest skaters in the world. Coyne Schofield attributes her resilience and leadership to her Catholic education and upbringing. She uses her platform to encourage young girls to pursue their dreams without compromising their values.
These six athletes remind us that the Winter Olympics are about more than just national pride or athletic dominance. They highlight the human capacity for spiritual depth amidst extreme physical pressure. Their stories of conversion, sacrifice, and devotion offer a different kind of victory. As we look toward future games, these legacies serve as a guiding light for the next generation of competitors.
