“From Setbacks to Gold: How This Paralympian’s Faith Fueled Her Incredible Comeback”

On Monday, Grace Norman participated in the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games as a triathlete, claiming her second Paralympic gold medal and attributing her success to God.

The triathlon comprised “a 750-meter swim, a 20-kilometer bike ride and a 5,000-meter run,” with Norman finishing in 1:04:40, surpassing “Great Britain’s Claire Cashmore by 1 minute, 15 seconds.”

“I’m overwhelmed with joy. It’s been a challenging year getting here, dealing with multiple injuries. God was truly with me out there,” she stated following the race.

“This feeling is incredible. The journey from gold to silver and back to gold has been an eight-year process of hard work. I’m elated,” the champion expressed. “I maintained my composure for most of the run until the final lap when I knew victory was mine. I began spotting my family, husband, and coaches, offering them a small smile as I passed. Having their support here, which I lacked in Tokyo, meant everything as I crossed the finish line. It’s truly remarkable.”

She previously secured gold in the triathlon and bronze in the 400 meters at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. She also earned silver in Tokyo for the triathlon.

Norman also shared on Instagram: “What an incredibly special moment! I’ve given my all to reach this point; all glory to God! I’m immensely grateful for everyone who has supported me along this journey.”

“Norman was born without a left foot due to amniotic band syndrome and underwent amputation of her left leg below the knee, as well as her right big toe, at a young age,” Sports Spectrum noted. “She engaged in various sports growing up and was drawn to the triathlon for its combination of three athletic disciplines. Running is her forte, and she achieved four-time National Christian College Athletic Association All-American status during her collegiate career at Cedarville University, a Baptist institution in her home state of Ohio.”

For more uplifting sports stories, visit Sports Spectrum.

Familyguide previously highlighted Paralympian Jessica Long:

Swimmer Jessica Long is regarded as one of the most accomplished Olympians in history.

She holds 13 world records and numerous gold medals, but Long has come to realize that these achievements don’t bring true peace…

“I had just won five gold, life seemed perfect,” Jessica recalled, “I’d done a commercial with Coca-Cola. So many great things were happening. Yet, I remember feeling incredibly empty and unsatisfied, which confused me. I thought, ‘I’ve accomplished everything I’ve ever wanted in my swimming journey, this swimming career, so why do I still feel empty? Why do I still feel unsatisfied?'”

…In 2013, Long made the decision to dedicate her life to Jesus.

“I approached a woman I knew and prayed, saying, ‘I want to give Him my whole heart. I want to pray. I don’t want to question anymore,'” she explained. “It was a truly special moment. I know for certain that I gave Him all of me, and I remember feeling so light and, for the first time, truly a part of God’s family. I feel such gratitude and love for everything God has given me, just so thankful.”

The athlete now relies on her faith in all aspects of her life.