In 1988 Greg Louganis was the hot favourite to win the springboard diving event at the Seoul Olympics. He was the defending champion and the 1986 world champion. When he attempted one of his signature dives a reverse 2½ pike, he hit his head on the springboard, badly injuring his head. Way behind on points, he new he had to pull out a special dive to remain in contention. He repeated the reverse 2½ pike. In an incredible comeback, he received a perfect score for the dive, and he went on to win the gold medal.

Commentators were astounded, and asked him what went through his mind as he prepared for the second reverse 2½ pike dive. He answered, “No matter what sort of dive I did, I knew my mum stilll loved me”.

Spiritual champions develop when they grow up relaising that no matter what challenges they face in life that their God still loves them. Often our Mums are so formative in helping us understand love, grace and forgiveness. It is the great legacy we should all pass onto the next generation.

Stephen Semenchuk