In twenty-six and three fourths seconds, Alexandre Bilodeau was transformed from just another 22 year old skier on the Canadian 2010 Winter Olympic team to the hero of Canada. Alexandre gained his new found status by winning the gold medal in the Men’s Mogul. While a gold medal in the Olympics is always a high achievement, his victory stands out because in three winter Olympics held in Canada, he became the first Canadian to win a gold medal in Canada. Since his win, the Royal Canadian Mint and the Canadian Post have announced plans to issue commemorative coins and stamps in his honor. Marriage proposals have flooded in on Twitter for him. But Alexandre’s story is more than 26 seconds of mogul magic. His story really began when he was a hockey hopeful at the age of 7. The burden of travel to the arena for practices and games while also caring for Alexandre’s brother Frederic, who suffers from cerebal palsy, and his younger sister Beatrice became too much for his Mother. She decided it was time to change to a more family participating sport – skiing. A year later, Alexandre had discovered a dislike for downhill skiing, but a real joy in going off jumps. At age 15, inverted aerial jumps were approved for moguls and Alexandre found his new sport. At age 18 he participated in the

2006 Olympics but experienced a disappointing finish because of a fall. Looking back today, a mother’s decision fifteen years ago and hard work by Alexandre on the moguls for the past seven years worked together to result in 26 seconds of mogul magic. His brother Frederic was at the finish line to embrace his long time hero and the new hero of Canada. Thousands of Canadians filled the BC Place for the medal ceremony joining Alexandre Bilodeau in a celebration of victory and Canadian pride.

There are so many stories attached to each of the Olympic athletes from all of the participating countries. While I love the excitement of the games and the intensity of the competition, the stories of the athlete’s sacrifices and relationships within their families, and their victories over adversity are what draw me in to watching the coverage of certain events. I would not have watched the Men’s Moguls had it not been for the human interest story of Alexandre and his love and devotion for his brother Frederic. Stories, like the one of Alexandre Bilodeau cause me to be able to cross the lines of national representation to cheer for those who have shared a part of their lives with the watching world. In Alexandre’s story, he changed from being a fantasy athlete to becoming a real person in a real world.

The Olympics are not the only venue where the stories of participants make

a difference. While we may have forgotten from days gone by, the stories of people have always made a difference in our lives. For those who grew up going to church, Biblical stories involving people are some of their earliest childhood memories. A testimony or personal story of a believer of how his or her life was changed by Jesus has often rekindled one’s own personal relationship with God.
Relationships develop between individuals as they share their life stories. Often it takes a lengthy period of time for the story to unfold and a sense of friendship and openness to develop. And yet, it is time that is spent sharing one’s story and hearing the story of another that will someday open the door to sharing God’s story.
As much as I enjoy the stories of the athletes of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, I am reminded that my life has been shaped through the stories of many non-athletes who ran well the race of life. Likewise, I have experienced those special times of slowing my schedule down and taking the time to simply listen to the story of one whose life was in turmoil and confusion. Through the relationship that developed from taking the time to listen, an opportunity was provided to speak. How thankful I am for the stories of people that have helped to shape and change the lives of others. How hopeful I am that we will find more opportunities to hear the stories of others in our church gatherings and to take the time to listen to those we need to reach.