Courtney McGrailDespite having her Olympic hopes dashed, Irish boxer Katie Taylor proved this week that her faith in God is unshakable. The 30-year-old Wicklow woman – one of Ireland’s most-prominent medal hopefuls – was a surprise casualty this week after her defeat to Finland’s Mira Potkonen.
But, even obvious heartbreak in Rio di Janeiro couldn’t dampen Katie’s devout Christian faith.
“Sometimes the plans you have in your heart aren’t God’s plans,” an emotional Katie said in the immediate aftermath of the bout, trying to come to terms with her shock defeat.
“God is so great, it’s still such a privilege and an honour to be here,” she said, going on to say: “I just have to thank everyone for their support and prayers – I’m so humbled by that.”
Reflecting on the outcome, Katie was in a philosophical mood. “It’s been a very, very tough year. I’ve suffered a lot of losses this year, and it’s very, very hard to take – the Olympics is a dream for me.
“I came in here prepared very well, I gave it my best shot it just didn’t happen,” she said.
Katie is one of a growing number of Olympians who have been vocal about their strong religious faith during the Rio Olympics.
Jamaica’s Usain Bolt, a practising Catholic who wears his faith on his sleeve, became the first athlete to win three Olympic 100m titles by picking up gold this week. Mr Bolt embraced the Miraculous Medal he wears around his next as he powered to victory.
US athlete Simone Biles, who keeps her Rosary beads in her bag at all competitions has won the women’s all-around Olympic gold medal for gymnastics.
The 19-year-old gymnast revealed that she carried a white rosary in her gym bag. “My mum, Nellie, got me a rosary at church…I don’t use it to pray before a competition. I’ll just pray normally to myself, but it’s there just in case.”