Redemption by Bryan Clay

Redemption is the key to a Christian’s life. It is also the key to Bryan Clay’s life. Olympic gold medalist in the decathlon, Clay clearly shows how it was only through the redemptive power of God in his life that he has risen to be known as the World’s Greatest Athlete.

Clay was born into a fairly loving and stable family. But after his mother becomes a Christian, things quickly fall apart and his father leaves. Clay reaction to this is to strike out in anger and violence. A wise counselor tells his mother that Clay needs to participate in sports of some kind before it is too late. Giving the choice to swim or run track and field, Clay chose the track and found his calling. Through the ups and downs of a normal athletic career, Clay learns time and again to give his best and trust in God to take care of the rest.

I enjoyed reading about an athlete that so clearly thanks God for all of success. Clay is eager to point out that he is wrong body type to be a decathlete and yet he has won both a silver and gold medal in the Olympics. I also liked how the lessons he learned on the track apply to his life off the track as well. There were many things that I could take away and apply to my life as well. It was refreshing to read about a family centered athlete. He will be one of the athletes that I am going to keep a close eye on as the 2012 Olympics draw near.

I received a copy of this book for free from Book Sneeze. All opinions are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

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