Fiji Rugby Wins Gold And Then Sings For The Glory of God!

Growing up an athlete in a Christian home I admired the life of Eric Liddell, the missionary and Olympic runner, who during the 1924 Paris Olympics refused to compete on the Sabbath because of his Christian conviction. His commitment to the 4th Commandment cost him the chance of winning a medal he was favorited to win.

Liddell’s life was turned into the 1981 film, Chariots of Fire. In addition to winning the Oscar for Best Picture, this film has served as the perfect soundtrack for runners ever since.

Today the world witnessed another display of Christian faith by Olympians.

The rugby gold medal game (ironically rugby’s first appearance in the Olympiad since the 1924 Paris Games) featured an incredible victory by Fiji over Great Britain. After the final whistle and before any of the ruggers talked to the press, sought out a camera, or gave a pep talk, the team quietly gathered together in a huddle, arm in arm. The men then started singing a beautiful hymn loudly together.

The lyrics of this simple hymn were “By the Blood of the Lamb and the Word of the Lord, we have overcome” repeated over and over for a couple minutes, the voices of these men harmonizing beautifully.

After singing, the Fiji Rugby team all got down on their knees and starting praying. It was quite the scene to behold that impressed bystanders at the stadium and lit up Twitter.

I’m used to athletes making public displays of their faith like Tim Tebow “Tebowing” in the endzone or this year when American divers Steele Johnson and David Boudia proclaimed their faith after winning silver. But never before have I seen a team of champions at the pinnacle of their athletic achievement hit the pause button and participate in corporate worship. It was a beautiful sight to behold.

After a quick Google search I found that these warriors regularly sing gospel hymns together in churches, museums, and after hard fought matches, win or lose.

Much like Eric Liddell 92 years ago, the Fijians find their strength in their faith. Daily Bible studies and prayers are worked in around their training. This devotion to their faith was best articulated by Fijian centre, Vereniki Goneva who told Christianity Today, “Personally my faith is my superpower… We know that our source of strength and power is from God.”

Usually the Olympics are a time where I overzealously embrace my American patriotism but today the Fijians reminded me of my true citizenship. For we as Christians are called to glorify God by enjoying him through song, fellowship and even sport.

Thank you, Fiji! Maybe Chariots of Fire could get a reboot especially considering how Fijian rugby players certainly act like super heroes!

The full video of today’s championship is available here, the hymn starts at the 2:15:00 mark.