Olympic Weightlifter Kendrick Farris: 'Faith Is A Part of Me'

Kendrick Farris made his third Olympic appearance in Rio as he competed in the weightlifting competition. 

Although Farris did not take home any medals he shared how the Olympic opportunities give him the chance to share his faith. 

MORE: Olympic Profiles in Faith

Although, Farris was raised in a Christian family, attended youth group and vacation bible school, it wasn't until he suffered an injury in 2008 that he says he began to wholeheartedly pursue a relationship with God. 

"I've really been growing spiritually since then," he told Athletes in Action, a program of Cru, formerly Campus Crusade for Christ.

Farris' success has grown as well, being twice named the U.S. National Champion, earning eighth at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and finishing 10th at the 2012 London Olympics.

For Farris his weightlifting success gives him the opportunity to evangelize.

His Team USA profile says the Bible is his favorite book, and he lists "Yahawah" and "Yahawahsha" — two names for God — as well as "Christ" as three of the most influential people in his life, before his mother, his coach and his wife," Religion News Service reports. 

"I try to share my faith as much as possible, using this platform that I have as an Olympian," he told Athletes in Action. "For me, part of that is just being real and showing that faith is a part of me. This is the truth for me."

Farris said he prays and meditates on Scripture before a meet and he shares a Bible verse daily on his Facebook page.

"Am I lucky? Far from it," he posted while training for Rio. "Do I work hard? You already know. Will I be doing anything different this time around? Well you'll have to keep an eye out for that. All praises to The Most High Most, honor and respect to the future king of the earth, the king of kings!"