July 8: A Bronze Medalist’s Heart of Gold

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.

Noceti-Klepacka, who won bronze in a windsurfing competition at the 2012 Olympics, plans to sell her medal to help a five-year-old girl named Zuzia whom she’s known since birth.  The youngster has cystic fibrosis, a 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 for the possibility of winning an Olympic medal.  For Noceti-Klepacka to be 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.