Heim said. It's not my job to perform since God gave me the gifts and I'm simply using them.
Editor's Note: This is the second of a three-part series about athletes and religion at Ohio University.
When Rachel Heim kicks off the wall during a race, her mind is clear.
The junior swimmer's strong faith in God gives her the clarity to realize she is merely using God's gifts. He controls her performance and takes pressure off her as she begins a race.
You're not alone Heim said. It's not my job to perform since God gave me the gifts and I'm simply using them.
Heim's strong faith is rooted in her family and education. The co-Mid-American Conference swimmer of the year in 2009-10 attended Christian schools her entire life. At Horizon Christian Academy in San Diego, the school promoted prayer from students throughout the day. The school's mission helped foster Heim's enduring beliefs.
If you came late to a class because you were praying with someone in the halls that was accepted
Heim said. We just had that mindset that if something is going wrong
take it to God.
Along with her belief that God guides her during her races, Heim pointed to Colossians 3:23 to explain how God affects her swimming performances. The verse says: Whatever you do
work at it with all your heart
as working for the Lord
not for men.
Heim said the verse gives her purpose and motivates her to perform her best for the greater glory of God, not for herself.
Whether it's swimming or the classroom
you perform better when it's not just for yourself
Heim said. You're going to perform better when you're doing it for God.
Heim constantly prays and talks to God throughout her days to keep things in perspective. Her connection with God keeps things from getting out of control in her life, even as she balances schoolwork and swimming.
Training is one of the most effective times for Heim to communicate with God. The solidarity of the pool provides perfect sanctuary for her conversations.
I definitely use training to talk to him
Heim said. When I'm just following a black line back and forth for hours
