Olympics
Catholic faith anchors swimmer Katie Ledecky
By Emily McFarlan Miller — August 6, 2016
(RNS) Katie Ledecky, who won a gold medal at just 15 years old at the London Games and shattered world records in the four years since then, said her Catholic faith helps her keep things in perspective.
Olympic swimmer Missy Franklin: Jesuit schooling brought God to life
By Emily McFarlan Miller — August 6, 2016
(RNS) Olympic swimmer Missy Franklin shares photos online of devotions with Louie Giglio and journaling in her Bible. She also has considered converting to Catholicism.
Gymnast Aly Raisman is one of top Jewish athletes to watch
By Emily McFarlan Miller — August 6, 2016
(RNS) Aly Raisman, who grew up in a Reform Jewish home, won gold in the 2012 London Olympic Games for her floor exercise, performed to the Israeli folk song "Hava Nagila."
Evangelical archer Mackenzie Brown takes aim at first Olympics
By Kimberly Winston — August 5, 2016
(RNS) Brown, an evangelical Christian, is ranked fourth in the world.
Gymnast Jake Dalton focuses on faith over fear
By Adelle M. Banks — August 5, 2016
(RNS) The four-time world medalist demonstrates his faith with religious tattoos and jewelry.
The ‘Splainer: Who is St. Sebastian and why do athletes claim him?
By Kimberly Winston — August 4, 2016
(RNS) From Christian martyr to sports icon, St. Sebastian is the patron saint of athletes and of Rio de Janeiro.
6 life and death questions for ethicist Arthur Caplan
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — June 30, 2016
(RNS) Bioethicist Arthur Caplan looks at the moral quandaries posed by Zika and the Olympics, the right-to-die law in California and more headliner issues.
Revisit Gabby Douglas on faith, fame
By Adelle M. Banks — May 25, 2016
(RNS) "Faith plays a very big role in my life," the gymnast said in 2012.
Texas festival apologizes after Muslim Olympian told to remove hijab
By Reuters — March 13, 2016
(Reuters) U.S. Olympian Ibtihaj Muhammad was trying to pick up her credentials to the South by Southwest (SXSW) arts festival when a volunteer insisted she remove her head scarf.
If Rome wins 2024 Summer Olympics, Vatican could host competitions
By Josephine McKenna — December 17, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) "The church has always defended sport because its values are not only Christian but universal," said Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins. "It teaches you how to put human values such as compromise and collaboration in practice overcoming division."
The business case for religious freedom: Q&A with Brian J. Grim
By Brian Pellot — February 28, 2014
We often hear about religious freedom in the context of human rights and national security. Brian J. Grim, founding president of the new Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, argues that religious freedom is just as important for mom and pop shops and global economies.
Racy Orthodox Calendar pushes gay rights ahead of Russian Olympics
By Kimberly Winston — January 15, 2014
(RNS) While there have been other collections of religious pin-up men, the Orthodox Calendar aims to make a political point against the Orthodox churches that the creators say are complicit in trying to keep gays and lesbians in the closet.
Brazil’s police take Bible classes to reduce stress
By Janet Tappin Coelho — October 28, 2013
(RNS) Amid concerns about police brutality, Brazilian military police officers are taking Bible study classes during their working hours to help them deal with stress and improve their personal and family lives. But the Christian-based course has hit controversy.
Thousands of athletes to compete in “Jewish Olympics”
By Michele Chabin — July 16, 2013
(RNS) This year’s event, which begins July 18, brings together more than 9,000 athletes from 77 countries to compete in 38 sporting events. The American contingent is the largest visiting delegation.
Jews, Sikhs, Hindus root for fellow believers in Olympics
By Omar Sacirbey — August 1, 2012
(RNS) Members of minority faith communities in the U.S. -- Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs -- are rooting for U.S. Olympians and also saving a few extra cheers for their co-religionists, both Americans and athletes from other teams. By Omar Sacirbey.
