This Bulgarian sports star used the Olympics to testify of his faith
Gold medallist Bulgaria's Karlos May Nasar celebrates on the podium after the men's -89kg weightlifting event during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the South Paris Arena in Paris. Photo AFP, Dimitar Dilkoff
Christian Life
Weightlifter Karlos Nasar, who won gold at the Paris Olympics, did not use his triumph for his own glory but to share his faith. And he is not the only one.
On August 9, 2024, Karlos Nasar, a rising star in the weightlifting world, secured a remarkable victory for Bulgaria by winning the gold medal in the men’s 89 kg category at the Paris Olympics. His triumph was an amazing achievement for him and for Bulgaria, which had its best Olympics in the 21st century.
At the same time, it also provided a platform for Karlos to express his deep Christian faith. In a live interview after returning home, he quoted by heart the whole of Psalm 23, leaving the two journalists speechless.
Karlos was born in 2004 in Paris, France, to a Bulgarian mother, Polya, and a Lebanese father, Hassan. His grandfather, a Pentecostal preacher in the small town of Cherven Bryag, and his mother, a practising Christian, have both played a crucial role in nurturing his faith.
Despite the challenges and pressures of competing at an Olympic level, Karlos found strength in the pages of Scripture. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me,” he quoted calmly to his interviewers.
Karlos’s faith was profoundly tested a couple of years ago when his coach, Ivan Ivanov, was found dead during a training camp in the mountains. This tragic loss deeply affected him, yet it also reinforced his reliance on God. He often speaks about how Psalm 23 provided him comfort during this time of grief, allowing him to continue his path with renewed strength and determination.
Paris Controversy
The Paris Olympics, while a celebration of athletic excellence, also became a platform of controversy, particularly concerning the treatment of Christian symbols.
During its expensive and intoxicating opening ceremony, many interpreted a segment as a parody of the Last Supper. Sensual and carnal images that have nothing to do with sport triggered intense debates and massive religious reverberations.
The show drew criticism, especially from the French Catholic Church, which expressed deep disappointment. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) responded with an apology, claiming that the segment was not intended to mock religious beliefs.
While this incident raised concerns, it was the quiet and consistent expression of faith by athletes like Karlos that stood out, providing a contrast to the controversy.
Subtle Witness
Before the launch of the games, the IOC stated that Christian expressions of faith would be allowed at the games, but with some regulations.
Karlos Nasar was not alone in openly expressing his faith at the Paris Olympics. Surfer Gabriel Medina, the bronze medallist, shared on his Instagram a stunning photograph taken by Jerome Brouillet, with the Biblical quote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
After winning bronze, 16-year-old Brazilian skateboarder Rayssa Leal expressed her Catholic faith, using sign language to quote John 14:6, a gesture that resonated deeply with the deaf community.
A particularly moving moment came from German shot-putter Yemisi Ogunleye during a press conference. She sang a hymn that reflected her personal struggles and the sustaining power of her faith: “I felt like I couldn’t take life anymore. My problems had me bound; depression weighed me down. But God held me close so I wouldn’t let go. God’s mercy kept me.” Her heartfelt rendition brought the room to a standstill, highlighting the profound role of faith in her own life journey.
Similar expressions of Christian faith were shown by athletes like Rebeca Andrade, Novak Djokovic, Adriana Ruano, Jean Pierre Brol, Larissa Pimenta, Tatjana Schoenmaker, Tsige Duguma, Lucia Yépez, Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, Katie Ledecky, among others. Just like Karlos Nasar, these athletes chose not to engage in public disputes or focus on controversies. Instead, they concentrated on their performances, allowing their actions, their passion and their subtle signs of faith to speak volumes.
Quiet Strength
Examples like these are poignant. They show an unexpected, toned-down, grace-filled yet firm and uncompromising way for Christians to respond to secular or anti-Christian sentiments through resilience and excellence in their respective fields. Karlos Nasar’s victory, along with the quiet faith of other athletes, demonstrates that unwavering dedication and perseverance are some of the most compelling ways to live out Christian faith, showcasing its strength through action rather than words.
While there are many ways to live out one’s faith, demonstrating resilience and a strong work ethic in the face of adversity is probably among the most effective. It is an approach that avoids unnecessary conflicts and instead shows the world the values of committed Christian faith, professional perseverance, personal humility, and Biblical dedication that are so central to a Christian’s life.
Humility and grace
“God is in my heart, and my faith is true,” Karlos Nasar firmly stated in a live broadcast for the “Code Sport” program in Bulgaria after the Olympics. His life story is an example of how faith in Christ plays a vital role in one’s life. Through quiet strength and uncompromising dedication, athletes like Karlos embody these words, following paths of righteousness not by shouting from the rooftops but by excelling in their craft and living out their faith with humility and grace.
In a world that often tests the resolve of those who hold Biblical beliefs, the example set by Christian athletes in Paris serves as a reminder that faith is not just proclaimed but lived. And as they walk through their dark valleys of competition and public scrutiny, they do so with the assurance that their Good Shepherd is with them, guiding their steps and restoring their souls.
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