Track and Field

4x Olympian, 1968 Olympic Champion, 1972 Olympic Silver Medalist

Though sports eventually brought Madeline freedom from the inner-city, it was something else that gave her spiritual freedom. Her mother modeled several values for her: to persevere through hard times, to work and study hard, and to have faith in God.

Madeline entered her first major international track meet while still in high school. She was the only African-American among 800 female runners, but she won the half-mile event and broke the indoor world record.

After receiving a full track scholarship to Tennessee State University, Madeline became the first American woman at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico to bring back a Gold Medal. Then in the 1972 Olympics, she added a Silver Medal to her accomplishments.

Madeline briefly retired after the '72 Olympic Games—and began to get involved in personal ministry to others. In 1975 she was inducted into the Track and Field Hall of Fame. But by the next year she felt God leading her out of retirement. Her age, 28, was considered a handicap, but she made the Olympic team anyway and set another record.

Today Madeline serves the Olympic community as a chaplain and motivational leader. She is also enjoying her other roles as a wife, mother, gospel singer, international speaker, and president of Ambassadorship, Inc. in Tulsa, Oklahoma. But in all she does, Madeline remains focused on her top priority.

"The most significant thing for me is my relationship with Christ. I used to think it strange that God would give me a ministry of "running around in circles." [training on a track]. But the assignment He has given me has taken me into many corners of the world to share the sweet love of my Savior, Jesus Christ. I will always run for Jesus, whether on or off the track."

Just as God has directed Madeline's course, He also has a plan for you. You may never win an Olympic medal, but you can win in the race of life. And God has already given you all you need to make it all the way - His Son - Jesus Christ.

The Bible tells us "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

To become a winner in Christ, you can use a prayer like this:

Dear God,

I admit that I am a sinner, and I realize my sin separates me from You. I believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose again to forgive my sins and give me eternal life. I want to turn from my sin and receive Jesus as my Savior. Thank You for loving me. - Amen