Why Would a 2012 Olympian Sell Her Bronze Medal?

The following is an entry from The Christophers’ upcoming “Three Minutes a Day” book which will be available for pre-order soon:

If someone told you that an Olympic bronze medalist was selling her medal, you might assume that athlete was dissatisfied with her third-place finish. Nothing could be further from the truth for Zofia Noceti-Klepacka from Poland.

Yes, Noceti-Klepacka won bronze in a windsurfing competition at the 2012 Olympics and plans to sell her medal. The reason, however, is to raise money for a five-year-old girl named Zuzia that she’s known since birth. The youngster suffers from cystic fibrosis, a chronic, potentially-fatal lung disease.

Noceti-Klepacka has witnessed the financial difficulties Zuzia’s family is facing due to her hospital visits and need for constant care. Prior to heading to the summer games, the Olympian promised that if she won a medal, she would auction it off with all the proceeds going to the medical needs of her biggest fan, Zuzia. Now she’s following through on her promise.

Athletes train for thousands of hours just for the possibility to win an Olympic medal. For Noceti-Klepacka to be so willing to part with hers to benefit a young girl in need demonstrates that her medal may be bronze, but her heart is golden.

While physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way. (1 Timothy 4:7)

Help me treasure life more than riches or rewards, Lord.