Olympian Missy Franklin Leaning on God for Strength

In 2012, Missy Franklin was one of the biggest stories of the London Olympics. At age 17, she won five medals, including four golds.

Franklin ended up taking home one gold medal from the women's 4 x 200m race. 

 

"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, do not depend on your own understanding." I understand so very little about this past week, about how many sacrifices and endless hours of hard work would leave me so far behind where I thought I was capable of being. But understanding will not bring me peace. Peace is knowing that I did everything I possibly could have done, that something beautiful will come out of this, and that I will come back stronger than ever before. The outpouring of love and support I have received has truly blown me away, and I cannot thank you all enough for how you have warmed my heart and soul. I am so proud to be apart of the best team in the world, and can't wait to cheer with everything I have for the next and final two sessions for TEAM USA

A photo posted by Missy Franklin (@missyfranklin88) on Aug 12, 2016 at 1:16pm PDT

MORE: Olympic Profiles in Faith

Not only does Franklin have faith in her swimming abilities, but along with her U.S. Olympic teammate Clark Smith, she finds strength in her faith. 

She graduated from Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora, Colorado, and the school "brought God and so much meaning into my life," she told Catholic News Service in 2012.

Before the start of the London Games, Franklin said she talked with God before, during, and after practice competition, praying to him for guidance, thanking him for talent he has given her and promising to be a positive role model for young athletes, according to National Catholic Reporter Publishing Co.