As the Olympics begin, two members of Team USA joined me for this week's podcast, which we hope you subscribe to! Both of these Olympians are javelin throwers who have been training in Birmingham, Alabama. After my humming version of the Olympic theme song,, we get into our chats that will inspire and motivate you - as a fan and athlete and in your faith walk.

(5:25) 2 time Olympian and Texas A&M alum Maggie Malone just set a new U.S. women's javelin record with a throw of more than 221 feet! She talks about giving God the glory and how she's mentally preparing for the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo, as she travels there real soon. Does she even have "expectations"?

(7:25) Javelin throwing is part of her faith, not the other way around. Find out how she intends to do God's will and encourage others. (11:05) Maggie has learned the hard way, with doubts and even giving up the sport a few years ago. She is open about what happened after she did not do as well at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, then rebelling against God.

(13:13) How is training with weights and cardio for the javelin different than other sports? There's also mental training for Olympic athletes. (16:45) Her success in college helped vault Maggie to where she is now, not even knowing what a javelin was until she was 19 years old but now using that to be a role model for young women.

There's gotta be nerves heading to the Olympics. (20:30) Maggie has advice on how to deal with that anxiety, give it to God, and be thankful. We will be rooting her on in the javelin events August 3 & 6!

(23:31) Curtis Thompson just found out earlier this month he's going to his first Olympics! He talks about what it was like to get that call and what he hopes to so in Tokyo. (25:21) The javelin throwing for him started in high school when he wanted to "throw the stick thingy," eventually getting a scholarship to do that at Mississippi State.

In training for being on the biggest stage, (27:06) Curtis tells us about the highs and lows, his strength conditioning, family support, and opportunities to inspire others. (31:09) By just inches, he missed out on the 2016 Olympics. What was that like?

(34:11) With more Olympic athletes testing positive for COVID-19. he reacts to concerns and precautions being taken in Tokyo for the Games. (36:46) Curtis also has a message for everyone about dreams and determination. He also gets to mold young athletes now, as a coach for throwers at Spain Park HS in Central Alabama.

(41;30) In the final segments, we talk origins of the Olympic anthem for "Stuck in My Head" and dive into a Bible verse about strength from God - used by many Olympic gymnasts - for our "Parting Gift," then closing prayer.

Thanks for listening! And please share it with your friends using #RunTheRace podcast. Also, write a quick review about it. For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.