With the Tokyo Olympics now in the rearview mirror, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA, www.fca.org) applauds all Olympic athletes who aimed for greatness and toiled in the pursuit of excellence on behalf of their home countries. These athletes, including many of Christian faith, participated in the Tokyo Olympics under some of the most stressful circumstances in modern times—and never wavered.

FCA is proud to mention by name some of the dedicated members of its ministry who never stopped striving for excellence, no matter the challenges before them: Allyson Felix (track and field); Kyle Snyder (wrestling); Cat Osterman (softball); Micah Christenson (volleyball); and Christa Dietzen (volleyball). Above all, FCA acknowledges their ceaseless devotion to God and their work on His behalf.

Says FCA’s CEO Shane Williamson, “Knowing Jesus and becoming like Him is our greatest gift and ultimate goal. These athletes are pursuing Jesus and the calling that He has on their lives for His Kingdom purposes.”

FCA’s Japan Director Will Thompson also shares, “What appeared as a delay last year [for the Olympics] gave way to an undeniable movement of God. We pray and believe that what the enemy uses for evil, God is turning around for good. We believe God is preparing an awakening and bringing people to Himself.”

Like many FCA athletes, FCA Olympians experienced feelings of uncertainty, confusion, disappointment, and loss in 2020 when the Tokyo Olympics were postponed for a year. Yet these believers know that confidence in Christ wipes away the uncertainties of the world. Identity in Christ is greater than one’s identity in sports.

FCA worked faithfully and firmly toward the Tokyo Games for years. When the Olympic Committee announced in 2013 that Tokyo would host the 2020 Games, FCA’s Will Thompson saw opportunity. After years of establishing relationships within Japan’s sports community, he began connecting with coalitions, churches, and ministry leaders to leverage this major global spotlight. He believed that Japan’s hosting of the Olympics would spark a new vision for sports ministry. And when the pandemic postponed the Games, FCA pivoted and used the extra time for even more groundwork, preparation, and prayer.

All of this dedication and more is part of FCA’s vision of uniting faith and sports to impact the world for Jesus Christ—a mission in which FCA has been highly engaged for over 60 years.

Says Motoki Oba, FCA Japan Field Support Manager, “FCA is a game changer. In Japan, there was no ministry like FCA that focused on serving coaches and athletes, but in His infinite wisdom, God gave us a way to reach these communities.”

FCA’s theme for 2021 is Pursue, based on 1 Timothy 6:11: “Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.” FCA encourages its members to pursue God’s use of His Word as an anchor, grounding Christians as they look to His Kingdom.

Since 1956, the impact on coaches and athletes has been the main focus of FCA Camps, with each Camp offering fun, outstanding sports training, inspiring speakers, strong friendships, and lasting change. View the 2019 FCA Camps video here and browse camps by location, sport or date at www.fcacamps.org.