A Christian Concept Of Competition Wins Lysacek Vancouver Olympic Gold

In the end, it was not Artistry, or Technical Skills, or, even understanding the new Scoring System.

What won Gold for Evan Lysacek of Naperville, Illinois, in men’s Figure Skating, at the Vancouver Winter Olympics on Thursday [02/18/2010], was his deep-seated, almost indwelt, understanding of the Christian Concept of Competition.

That — a Christian never competes against another.

A Christian only competes against himself.

To be better than before.

As Lysacek told nbcolympics.com  — “Each step [in the men’s Figure Skating event] wasn’t planned to win this gold medal. It was to have a personal victory…..”

A personal victory. 

That is — besting oneself. 

Not – beating another. 

The consequences of Christian Competition, as one might expect – are Godly.

No bitterness at the Result, no animosity towards the Winner, no protest of the Marking system, no questioning the decision of the Judges.

Or, as Lysacek put it – “My goal and my plan was to skate the way I skated and leave the rest to the judges and not argue their choices, their scores — just accept them whatever they may have been.”

But, a Christian Concept of Competition would be a very poor Concept, indeed, if all it involved was Self.

Getting better and better, personally.

Christianity is nothing – if it is not about The Other.

About, helping The Other. 

And, not just helping The Other.  But, helping The Other get better.

Just ask the young skaters at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo, California.

After Lysacek finishes his punishing workouts at the Center, say skaters, he takes time to help them improve their skating skills.

In the end, though, the Christian Concept of Competition is not about Self – and Others. 

It is about Honoring Our Lord for the Gifts, the Talents, He has bestowed upon us.

That these may be to His Honor and His Glory.

 
Egbert F “Burt” Bhatty has worked 30 years as an Analyst at the American Embassy, New Delhi, and at British [Dunlop] and American [Chase Manhattan] multinationals.  He is a Certified Catechist.  Holds a 3-year [part time] Certificate in Foundations For Christian Ministry.

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