Rio 2016: Olympic athletes who were ambassadors for Christ as well as their country during the Games

Brazil's Neymar

Neymar's goal in the penalty shootout catapulted Brazil to Olympic gold medal glory but the Brazilian striker was determined to switch the focus to Jesus. He wore a headband which read: "100% Jesus" when he took to the podium and shared the above Instagram post with the caption: "To you, all honour and glory."

Jamaica's Yohan Blake

Yohan Blake proved prayer has a place on the podium when he put his hands together and took time to thank God after winning gold in the men's 4x100m relay. Blake also demonstrated that he doesn't only turn to God when things are good, following his defeat in the men's 200m final, Blake wrote on Instagram: "I just want to give God thanks. He works miracles no matter what the outcome...I will never lose faith no matter what the circumstance is, no matter what happens. God is always by my side."

Fiji's Rugby Sevens Team

As their national anthem played, various members of the team held their hands out in prayer. After their win, Fiji's first Olympic medal, the team gave all glory to God.

South Africa's Wayde van Niekerk

The South African was very clear about who to credit for his phenomenal record-breaking run in the 400m race in Rio.

USA's Simone Manuel

The record-breaking swimmer's feats in the pool aren't the only barriers she's interested in breaking. Simone has been open about her faith and giving thanks to God for her achievements as well.

Jamaica's 4x100m men's relay team

After what Usain Bolt says will be his final Olympic race, the victorious Jamaican 4x100m relay team join together in prayer.

USA's Abbey D'Agostino

Abbey D'Agostino's kind gesture captured the hearts of spectators around the world. In response to questions about her bold display of Olympic and Christian spirit, she said: "God prepared my heart to respond in that way." Along with Nikki Hamblin, the New Zealand competitor that she helped up after a fall, D'Agostino received the prestigious Pierre de Coubertin medal. The rare award is given to those who show tremendous sportsmanship during the Games. 

Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro

Juan Martin del Potro prayed openly after his win in the tennis men's singles quarterfinals. He went on to take the Olympic silver medal in the competition.

News
Fire severely damages historic Amsterdam church on New Year’s Day
Fire severely damages historic Amsterdam church on New Year’s Day

A major fire tore through one of Amsterdam’s best-known historic buildings in the early hours of New Year’s Day, seriously damaging the property and forcing people to leave nearby homes.

Rwanda’s president on the defensive over church closures
Rwanda’s president on the defensive over church closures

Rwandan President Paul Kagame defended the government's forced closure of Evangelical churches, accusing them of being a “den of bandits” led by deceptive relics of colonialism. 

We are the story still being written
We are the story still being written

The story of Christ continues in the lives of those who take up His calling.

Christians harassed, attacked all over India at Christmas
Christians harassed, attacked all over India at Christmas

International Christian Concern reported more than 80 incidents in India, some of them violent, over Christmas.