By LIZ McCONKEY
For Word News

DES MOINES, Iowa (WordNews.org) July 16, 2013 — Olympic high jump silver medalist Brigetta Barrett, also known as BeeBee, was mindful that “this is the start of my season.”

What a start it was at the recent USA Track and Field Championship here, with a win of 6-8.25.

“I felt I could have jumped higher, but I’m listening to my coach,” said the energetic recent graduate from the University of Arizona.

Barrett loves the sport, but does not want to take her accolades too serious. Being put on a pedestal makes her realize her dependence on God.

“I’ve learned to make God my reward,” she said. As rewards come her way, she continues to give glory to God, “delighting in the Lord and thanking Him for what He has done.”

BeeBee encourages young people to do the same thing.

“The only impossible dream is the one you don’t believe in.” She moved from New York to Texas during her junior year in high school to pursue her athletic dream while living with family.

She says her favorite Scripture of all time is John 3:16 because it is for everyone, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

In recent days, she said Isaiah 40:31 has refreshed her, “But they who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”