Hunter Armstrong, a gold medal swimmer for the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has shared how his faith in God has become central to his life and career.
Life can be hard sometimes, can’t it? Even for top athletes like Hunter. But he found that these tough times helped him grow closer to God. Hunter’s story shows us that having a good relationship with God matters more than winning medals, even at the Olympics.
Armstrong won gold in Paris in the men’s 4×100 meter freestyle relay. He swam his part in just 46.75 seconds, which was the fastest on his team. This new gold medal adds to the one he won in a relay race in Tokyo in 2021. He also helped the U.S. win a silver medal in the 4×100 medley relay in Paris.
But Armstrong, who is 23 and from Ohio, has faced tough times during his journey to the Olympics. Before the Olympics, his coach moved away to a different state. Then his grandfather passed away. On top of that, he broke up with his girlfriend. This was extra hard because he had been planning to marry her.
Armstrong told sports website, Eleven Warriors, “That was my first serious relationship. I had even planned how I was going to propose. I was already looking at rings. I really thought I was going to marry her, but then I watched it all fall apart.”
These events hit Armstrong so hard that he struggled to even get out of bed. These tough times made Armstrong think more about his faith. He realized he needed God’s help to get through.
Armstrong told Baptist Press, “Often, it’s pain that makes us change the most. Sometimes God puts us in a situation where we have no choice but to turn to Him.”
This was a big moment in Armstrong’s faith journey. He had always called himself a Christian, but he admits his relationship with God wasn’t always strong. It would get stronger during swim meets or at church camp but then fade away when things were going well.
Armstrong explained, “For years, I was kind of on the edge with my faith. I’d pray during competitions, and that would last for a bit. The same thing would happen at church camp. But as soon as I didn’t feel like I needed God anymore, my faith would fade.”
Armstrong decided to prioritize his relationship with God. He even changed his Instagram profile to say “GOD FIRST.” He wants this to be the first thing people know about him when they look him up online.
Other swimmers have helped Armstrong grow in his faith too. Michael Andrew, another swimmer, once prayed with Armstrong before a race when he was feeling nervous. Another swimmer, Carson Foster, invited Armstrong to join Bible study groups with other athletes. These experiences helped Armstrong bring his faith into his swimming and his everyday life.
Before the Olympics in Paris, Armstrong’s view on competing had changed. He still wanted to do his best, but he found peace knowing that God was with him no matter what.
Before the Games started, Armstrong said, “I’ve been through so much this year that I’m just happy to be here. Of course, I want to do well for myself, my country, and my teammates. But even if I don’t win any medals or set any personal bests, I can still feel good knowing that I represented myself and God well.”
Armstrong puts God first as he continues his swimming career. He said, “I keep God as my top priority. I can’t really live without Him. I could live without swimming or being an Olympian, but not without God.”
After the Olympics, Armstrong plans to go back to Columbus, Ohio. He’s going to coach swimming at Ohio State while he finishes his college degree. Whatever he does next, it’s clear that his faith will guide him.
Armstrong’s story reminds us that a strong bond with God matters more than achievements. His journey shows how hard times can strengthen faith. When we face challenges, we can turn to God like Armstrong did. Let’s pray for Armstrong and other athletes who honor God. May they inspire others through their faith and work.