When Young Athletes Compete

WHEN YOUNG ATHLETES COMPETE against more experienced competitors with a strong reputation, judges tend to favor the older athlete. But in 1996, Michelle Kwan transformed herself from a child prodigy into a world-class contender in the judges’ eyes.

Although only 14 at the time, the Torrance, California, native had placed fourth in the World Figure Skating Championships in 1995. Her coach, Frank Carroll, believed she placed lower than she should have because she appeared too childlike to the judges.

The following year at the United States Figure Skating competition, Michelle unveiled a new look. She wore her hair in a bun rather than a ponytail and accentuated her features with heavier makeup. Even her costuming and routine reflected a more sophisticated and mature skater.

Her new look helped, and Michelle’s precision and athleticism clinched the gold. She landed seven triple jumps including a triple-toe-loop combination and two tough triple lutzes. Her only falter occurred late in the program when she failed to complete a planned double axel.

All nine judges awarded Kwan first place, and seven gave her marks of 5.9 out of 6.0 for artistic expression. In capturing the American figure-skating crown at age 15, she became the youngest champion since Peggy Fleming achieved the feat in 1964.

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POINT Michelle and her coach rejoiced when the judges stopped thinking of the skater as a child and began marking her as an adult. She needed to be viewed as a mature competitor to top the medal stand.

Michelle Kwan discovered the mark of an adult isn’t just age. It’s how a person thinks and acts. The apostle Paul understood that. He encouraged Christians to think and act like adults no matter what their age. However, he commanded followers of God to be as innocent as babies when it came to doing wrong.

GOAL! Do you have any childish things holding back your relationship with Jesus Christ? Try to identify and overcome childish thinking. Ask God to keep you innocent from evil and to help you be an adult Christian throughout your life.