With the Olympic athletes flying back home, it has been enjoyable to see them greeted at airports, in their hometowns, or at different locations as they arrive back in the U.S. Several have been interviewed on television or through write-ups in newspapers and magazines. Each Olympian has a story to tell. One athlete, who endeared herself to so many during the games in Tokyo, Japan, continues to do so because of her faith, love for family, appreciation for coaches, joy, and patriotism. After teaching at the same junior high, before he moved to the high school, I also have much respect for this athlete’s coach.
Tamyra Mensah-Stock competed in track and field in junior high. During her sophomore year at Morton Ranch High School, in Katy ISD, she was encouraged to be part of the wrestling team by Coach Mark Balser and her twin sister, Tarkyia, who had been on the team her freshman year. Her future husband was also on the team. With dedication, hard work, and discipline, Mensah-Stock won the State Finals in wrestling in 2009, and was the Texas Girls High School Champion in 2010 and 2011. It was after an out-of-town wrestling meet that Tamyra’s father died in a car accident while on his way back home. Tamyra wasn’t sure if she wanted to continue wrestling. Coach Balser gave Tarkyia and Tamyrya “space to listen and love and support.” He and his wife, Kelly, became like family to the sisters. Balser was and continues to be an influence in her life. After high school, Tamrya attended Wayland Baptist University and won National titles in 2014 and 2017.
Before the Olympics, Mensah-Stock told Faithwire, “It’s by the grace of God I’m even able to move my feet…I just leave it in His hands, and I pray that all the practice my coaches put me through pays off and every single time it does.”
After winning the gold medal in the woman’s 68-kilogram freestyle wrestling, Mensah-Stock formed a heart which she said represented her love for her family and everyone who encouraged her through the years, especially her dad. She said, “He would have been the loudest one here.” Even though family couldn’t be with her, she felt their support. With the American flag held high in the air and then draped around her shoulders, with tears streaming down her face, Tamyra said, “I’m feeling very happy and I keep trying not to cry, but it keeps happening, but I’m crying with joy.” She then joyfully shouted, “I love representing the U.S. I freaking love living there. I love it and am so happy I get to represent USA. Love it.”
Asked by a reporter if she thought she would win the gold, Tamyra confidently responded, “I knew I could do it, when I started wrestling. I knew I could be an Olympic champ.” Mensah-Stock believes that confidence and prayer are vital to her victories. “I knew I could do it. I prayed I could do it.”
When interviewed, after the gold medal was awarded, Coach Balser responded, “I am glad the world is getting to see the sunshine that is Tamyra Mensah-Stock. She’s full of energy, full of life and full of love. I am super proud as a Maverick, a Texan and an American that Tamyra Mensah-Stock represented Morton Ranch High School, the state of Texas and our wonderful country in the manner that she did. In making the Olympic team and earning a gold medal she fulfilled a dream that started in our wrestling room years ago.” He continued, “I am excited to see where this journey will take her and I am happy that America has gotten the opportunity to see the young lady that I have known all along, one that is grounded by faith, with her family and friends behind her and isn’t afraid to have fun and be herself.”
The U.S. Olympic Committee awards each gold medalist $37,500. After seeing her dream come true, Mensah-Stock plans to give $30,000 to her mother to buy a food truck, so she, too, can live her dream. When the people who work at Cruising Kitchens, in San Antonio, Texas, heard this, they knew it would cost $250,000 to build and equip the food truck. Because of Tamyra’s gold medal performance, pride and excitement for the opportunity to compete for the USA, and her joy, the workers got together and decided they wanted to gift her mother with building her a new food truck. They are accepting no outside funds for their gift. The extra cash can now go towards food and other essentials needed to make a successful start.
After coming back to the U. S., Tamyra expressed that she wants to share the love and joy God has given her. May we, too, strive to live our lives so full of a love for God that we overflow in confidence, joy, hope, a sweet spirit, appreciation and respect for those who come alongside to teach and help us, have a strong work ethic, and gratitude for getting to live in the USA.
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
1 Corinthians 9:25
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
1 Timothy 4:8
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
1 Peter 3:15
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