By now, you’ve probably been drawn into the competition, the passion, and the excitement of the Summer Olympics taking place in Toyko. The athletes are an inspiration to all as they give everything they have to the sport that they have spent many hours perfecting. Most of these men and women depend on trainers, coaches, and fellow athletes to help them achieve the goals they have set for themselves, but a few have shared that they rely on the help of the Blessed Mother! Who are they?
Catholic Olympians Who Rely On The Blessed Mother’s Help
Simone Biles | Gymnastics
“My mom, Nellie, got me a rosary at church. I don’t use it to pray before a competition. I’ll just pray normally to myself, but I have it there in case.”
– Simone Biles
Grace McCallum | Gymnastics
In a 2019 interview with The Central Minnesota Catholic, Grace’s mother Sandy shared that Grace carries a rosary and a special cross from her grandmother wherever she goes. “She travels with those things to kind of bring her peace and calm,” Sandy said. “Grace won’t travel anywhere without them.”
“Definitely, whenever I have a rough day, in the gym or competition, I just know God gave me this talent. I need to use it and not waste it.”
– Grace McCallum
Katie Ledecky | Swimming
“I do say a prayer — or two — before any race. The Hail Mary is a beautiful prayer and I find that it calms me.”
Katie Ledecky
Hidilyn Diaz | Weightlifting
“Her victory was captured through many lenses, and in one of those photos was her holding the gold medal and wearing a Miraculous Medal of Our Lady on her chest. We admire her devotion to the Blessed Mother as she carried in her victory her great faith in God. Hidilyn is a true weightlifter who draws her strength from her love for the country and a deep Catholic faith.” – Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao
“It is a sign of … my faith to Mama Mary and Jesus Christ.”
Hidilyn Diaz
