Michelle Carter

BY LIZ McCONKEY
For Word News

DES MOINES, Iowa (WordNews.org) June 26, 2013 – Michelle Carter, three-time USA Outdoor champion and a 2012 World Indoor bronze medalist, took first in the shot put at the USA Track and Field Championships in Des Moines, Iowa, by setting an American record.

She didn’t think much about her European competition.

“Anybody’s beatable on any given day,” she said. “Just come prepared. All you need is that one throw.”

She wants to encourage young people to trust not in themselves but in the Lord.

“Have faith, even although we can’t see it,” Carter said, “We think we can make things happen. No, it’s God. He’s created us with a purpose. Most importantly, be obedient and spend time with God.”

Her favorite verse: Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Dee Dee Trotter

DeeDee Trotter has been in the spotlight for some time. Her extensive track career includes a 2012 Olympic Games bronze medal and two Olympic gold medals in the 4x400m.

Trotter said she had a tough decision about whether to compete in the USA Championships in Des Moines, Iowa. After seeking God’s direction, she opted not to compete in the 400m.

With the loss of a grandfather and an uncle in recent months, Trotter said  training took second place. Coming into the season, she took a hard look at the logistics of her training on the track.

Trotter said she felt God’s assurance of what she was to do – compete in the 200m.

On race day, Trotter keeps her eyes on God.

Tiffany Williams

“I give God the glory for my performances,” she told WordNews.org. A Scripture that motivates her  is Proverbs 3:15, “She (wisdom) is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her.”

Her word of advice to young athletes: “Trust and obey the Lord.”

Meanwhile, Tiffany Williams, a two-time USA outdoor champion in the 400m hurdles, says Philippians 1:21 drives her, quoting, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

She encourages young athletes to “work hard and never give up.”

Williams is not running in the finals, but she says she knows that God has a next step for her.