Michelle Akers

French

The Dreams Of A Champion

As a young girl, I dreamt of being a wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers and catching the winning touchdown in the Super Bowl. That dream was crushed when my third grade teacher told me, "Michelle, girls don't play football." Fortunately, I also had my soccer dreams and with my family's support, in 1991 I starred in the first FIFA Women's World Championships, scoring ten goals in six games and being named "the best player in the world."

It All Came Tumbling Down

But in 1993, after struggling for two years with unexplained fatigue and injury, I suddenly collapsed during play at the Olympic Sports Festival. After being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS), a year later I found myself physically, emotionally and spiritually at the end of my rope. I had accepted Jesus Christ as my savior in high school, but the next ten years were lived on my terms. Now, for the first time in my life, I found I needed a strength I couldn't muster. In utter despair, I gave my life back to Christ.

The Impossible Dream

My health struggles continued, but Christ's inexplicable hope and peace were always there for me. God never abandoned me, and then in 1996, He helped me achieve the impossible - an Olympic Gold Medal. In my career, I felt isolated in my struggles and pain, yet now I know God was slowly preparing me for that Olympic moment. Jesus had to take it all away, so He could give me back so much more. (Ephesians 3:19-20) I pray that by sharing how God has helped me realize my true dreams, I have inspired you to reach for yours.

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