James Corrigan - 3000-meter steeplechase
Corrigan on handling pressure...
When I look at Christ’s example, I learn how to be calm under pressure and how to resist temptation. I also learn how to handle hard times, such as when I don’t perform well. I think of how Christ would respond. There were many races that I felt so nervous and that I didn’t belong, but I would always pray and feel peace knowing that Jesus Christ knew how I felt.
Corrigan on his faith...
I love Jesus Christ and because of His example I am a better athlete. I can’t wait to race and represent my country and my God.
Kenneth Rooks - 3000-meter steeplechase
Rooks on finding hope...
I know that I have felt Jesus Christ in my life. I am not perfect. I have made many mistakes in life. I have fallen. I have felt Christ’s strength help me as I follow and turn to Him. God loves all of us. Because of Jesus Christ there is hope. Sometimes life is difficult. But if we are diligent in following the Savior, eventually things will work out and get better. I know that Jesus Christ is patient with us and that helps me be patient with myself as I grow and change. I know that Jesus Christ is reaching out to you, and that as you reach back to Him you will feel His love. He will help you become something that you do not now comprehend.
Rooks on reading scriptures before a race...
I know that reading the Book of Mormon is one way that Jesus Christ helps us. I try to put God first, and so one thing I do before I race is to read a scripture. It brings me peace and helps me remember what matters most.
Clayton Young - Marathon
Young on divine identity and perspective...
I may be know outside as an Olympian but in this building I’m a Latter-day Saint, a friend, a brother, a father, a brother in Christ, a disciple of Christ and all of those help keep me grounded.
Young on finding peace...
I know that He, Jesus Christ, only He can bring that true peace and solace. I know that He is truly constant and that He is kind. His love is without end. As we continue to take little steps with Him by our side, we can return to Him and that we can finish this race.
Young on professionally competing on Sundays and sharing the gospel
When I became a professional athlete, I had to decide whether or not I would compete on Sunday. One thing that a mentor and friend, Jared Ward, told me was that it doesn’t need to be all or nothing. That when you decide to race on Sunday, it doesn’t mean you decide to race on Sunday the rest of your life. That you can decide to take it one race at a time and have an open communication with God on whether you should race or not. I wish I could tell all of the stories of when I’ve been able to travel and race and share the gospel as I’ve competed. There have been so many tender opportunities because I have decided to race. Oftentimes, I’ll race in the mornings and then I’ll invite my competitors to attend church with me in the afternoon. It’s been a really fun experience to share the gospel.
Conner Mantz - Marathon
Mantz on divine identity...
When I get introduced to speak at various events, I’m often introduced as what I’ve accomplished as an athlete. Different people will bring up the national championships I’ve won, my sponsorship or that I’ve qualified for the Olympic Games. Other times they will mention my degree, my wife or which university I attended. One thing that is typically not said, is who I am and what my real identity is. So who am I really? I am a Child of God, a member of His church and a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Mantz on marathon running and faith...
The marathon takes a long time to train for and requires lots of focus. There’s lots of little things that add up to help you be a great marathon runner. You have to eat right, train everyday and sleep right and rest. Likewise in the gospel, you have to spiritually feast on the words of Christ, you have to pray daily and find ways to serve others. It’s by these little things that we draw closer to Christ. Like in the marathon, it takes lots of little things to get ready for the race, it's the little things in following Jesus Christ that make us truly have a testimony of Him.
Up Next
Corrigan and Rooks will compete in the first round of the 3000-meter steeplechase Monday at 11:04 a.m. MT. Young and Mantz are set to race the marathon at 12:00 a.m. MT. Competition will be broadcasted on the NBC platforms. Find all BYU-specific Olympic information here.
