For disciples Kelsey Campbell and Trinity Plessinger, that physical labor is
training, making weight, and practicing fundamentals of wrestling at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
training, making weight, and practicing fundamentals of wrestling at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Their spiritual training resembles that of many Christians: “Making sure I have my quiet times every day, staying connected to other disciples through Facebook, phone calls, e-mails, or whatever ways possible,” says Plessinger, 22. “And praying a lot!”
While the spiritual training may sound familiar, the lifestyle of a world-class athlete presents unique challenges. Travelling to compete in wrestling tournaments year round and being away from the church and other disciples isn’t easy. But, the opportunity to visit churches around the world is encouraging, says Campbell.
Another challenge: The results-oriented nature of competing professionally 
means that earning a living depends on performing well. “My job is a performance based situation,” Campbell says. “I really only support myself when I perform, so there can be a lot of pressure there.” So far, she’s performed well as a two-time World Team member and gold medal winner at the 2012 Mongolian Open.
means that earning a living depends on performing well. “My job is a performance based situation,” Campbell says. “I really only support myself when I perform, so there can be a lot of pressure there.” So far, she’s performed well as a two-time World Team member and gold medal winner at the 2012 Mongolian Open.Plessinger, a three time University National Champion, says she always hopes and prays to come out on top, “but I know if those aren’t the results God has a reason for it and I am okay with that.”
The women competed at the 2012 Olympic Trials in Iowa City last week. Campbell made the Olympic team, beating an opponent she’d lost to in competition three times. Recovering from a knee injury, Plessinger placed fifth in her weight class, but did not make the Olympic team.
“I think God has reasons for us to win and reasons for us to lose sometimes,” she says. “But whatever the outcome, we need to give all the glory to him and praise him in all situations.”
Whatever the outcome, Campbell says, “I can still go to Heaven when all is said and done.”
As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” Read more at ESPN > > >
Both Trinity and Kelsey are part of the Singles Ministry in the Colorado Springs Christian Church > > >.
For more information on Kelsey or Trinity, google KELSEY CAMPBELL WRESTLING or TRINITY PLESSINGER WRESTLING.