| The old Jim Ryun wanted to express his anger to each committee member with a swift kick of his size 12 1/2 track shoe. But, how was the new Christian Jim Ryun going to handle the situation?
For 10 years, running had been my god. Joining my high school track team in 1962, I ran the mile in 5:38. The following spring, I ran a 4:07 mile. In 1964, I became the world's first highschooler to run the mile in under four minutes and qualified to compete in the Tokyo Olympics. I owed it all (I thought) to my god - running. I gave my god the best of everything. . . my time, my energy, my love.
First World's Record
In July 1966, I set my first world’s record at 3:51.3. I was the fastest miler alive!
Following that race, I was exhausted. I barely noticed the pretty girl outside the stadium who stopped me to ask for my autograph. "I'm sorry," I moaned, "but I'm tired. I'll give you one later." I escaped to the dorm, assuming I'd never see her again, and promptly forgot about the incident.
Later that year, as a college sophomore, I received the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year Award, one of the world's most coveted prizes among professional and amateur competitors. I also received the Sullivan Award as best amateur competitor in the U.S. and gained worldwide recognition as an athlete.
Never a Finish Line
In the midst of the glory, I became aware of a gnawing emptiness in my heart. "If I'm so successful," I reasoned, "Why am I so dissatisfied?" Regardless of what I achieved, I was always pressed to get better. It's no different in the competition of business. You never reach the finish line.
Around Thanksgiving of 1966, a friend arranged a blind date. "Remember the girl who wanted your autograph after you set the world record?" my date prodded. "Well, I'm here to collect!" I was embarassed, but we enjoyed a good laugh together. Her name was Anne. We began dating. I soon grew to love her more than I loved running.
In 1967, I set another record for the mile at 3:51.1. That record stood unbroken for eight years. I competed in the 1968 Olympics and took home the silver medal in the 1500- meter race.
But, the emptiness remained.
Surrender Begins
Anne and I were married in 1969. For the first time in my life, running lost its place of supremacy. I began losing races and the sportswriters blamed Anne. I told them, "Look guys, I'm married now. I want to spend some time with my wife." I was so frustrated I walked off the track at the National Championships. Shortly after, on camera with Howard Cosell, I announced my retirement.
I thought I had finished running, but in 1971, Anne and I decided I should return to competition. Running again became an obession.
The following months were the most frustrating of my life. One week I'd be running great. The next week I'd race and finish dead last.
Around this time, I began meeting people who said they were "born-again Christians." Like me, they were going through personal trials, yet they emerged saying, "Praise the Lord!" What kind of response was that? They had something I wanted.
Spiritual Assessment
Shortly before the 1972 Munich Olympics, Anne and I had a racquetball date with our friends, Bernie and Clara. After the game, they invited us to their home for a glass of lemonade. "I have a story I want to tell you," Bernie said. He explained that while he had been "churched," he had only recently invited Christ into his life and been baptized in the Holy Spirit. Our curiousity heightened.
Anne and I began to study the Bible. After about thirty days of study, we concluded Bernie (or rather, the Bible) was right. We both needed to be born again and baptized in the Holy Spirit.
On May 18, 1972, we knelt with friends to receive the Lord into our lives and be filled with the Holy Spirit. As we prayed, the empty place in my heart, never filled by the successes of running, was filled with an overwhelming peace.
Faith into Action
A short time later, at the most important athletic event in the world, I was to find out how the new Christian Jim Ryun would handle the major crises of his running career. "Lord," I complained, "these Olympic officials know I was fouled. They won't reinstate me because they've never done such a thing before."
It would be nice to say the Lord performed a miracle and got me back in the race. Instead, He decided on a greater miracle.
For years I struggled with hurt and bitterness over that event. One night, I knelt and said, "Lord, forgive me for the bitterness in my heart." I knew the Lord had forgiven me, but I still felt unable to forgive those who had wronged me.
I continued in prayer, pursuing complete forgiveness. Then one day, I became aware of an amazing thing: I was no longer bitter. God allowed me to be disqualified from the world's most prestigious athletic competition to show me how to be a real winner.
Running with Jesus
Anne and I, along with our children Heather, Drew, Ned and Catharine, continue to run the race of life with Jesus as our coach. We have come to know Him as a loving friend. We daily experience His grace and discipline; His guidance and leadership through our lives.
Have you found that success has failed to fill the emptiness in your heart? Running with Jesus will fill that void and give you the peace and joy you long for.
The Biblical Way to Salvation:
1. Admit you are a sinner, and that only the Lord Jesus can save you. (Romans 3:23, Isaiah 64:6, Acts 4:12).
2. Repent: be willing to turn away from sin and submit to God. (2 Peter 3:9, 2 Corinthians 7:10, Matthew 13:19-23)
3. Believe and Confess that Jesus died on the cross and shed His blood to pay the price for your sins, and that He rose again. (John 20:1-31, Matthew 10:32-33, Romans 10:9-13)
4. Forgive Others and yourself. (Matthew 6:14-15, Ephesians 6:12, Matthew 18:21-35).
5. Pray and Ask Jesus Christ to be Lord (controller) of your life.
Important Steps for Christian Growth
1. Read your Bible every day (Matthew 6:11).
2. Talk to God about everything in daily prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
3. Attend a church where the Bible is taught (Hebrews 10:25).
4. Fellowship with other born again believers and make them your closest friends (2 Corinthians 6:14-16).
5. Get baptized in water and filled with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11-16, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:6).
6. Love God with all your heart (Matthew 22:37-38).
7. Love others as yourself (Matthew 22:39-40).
Jim Ryun Today
Jim is the founder and president of Jim Ryun Sports, Inc., a public relations company. Through this business, Jim has been a product development consultant, marketing products and promoting awareness of various charities. His most recent partnership was with the ReSound Hearing Aid Company, creating his own program "Sounds of Success," aimed at helping hearing impaired children reach their potential.
Jim is currently the congressman for the 2nd Congressional District of Kansas. He brings forth a message of economic relief for the families of the Second District and works to ease the tax burden and eliminate unnecessary governmental regulations. As a citizen-statesman, Jim serves the people with a commitment to honesty and integrity. He is also a member of the Armed Services, Budget and Financial Services Committees.
From Jim Ryun Running Camp www.ryunrunning.com
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