As the USA’s best male swimmer, Caeleb Dressel entered the Olympics with hype, high expectations, and pressure to carry on the legacy of Michael Phelps.
The 24-year-old undeniably delivered by winning five gold medals, setting records, and swimming the 50-meter freestyle without even taking a breath.
Despite accomplishing what he set out to do and proving he’s the best male swimmer in the world, Dressel made these eye-opening comments following the completion of his six events:
“I’m really glad to be done. It’s not an easy week at all. I guess some parts were extremely enjoyable. I would say the majority of them were not.
“You can’t sleep right, you can’t nap, you’re shaking all the time, you don’t eat. I’ve probably lost 10 pounds…I’m really good at hiding my emotions. I can put a pretty good show on before each race, but once I shut it off, it just floods out.”
Oftentimes as sports fans, we only focus on the wins, the championships, the gold medals, the money, the fame, and the applause. We tend to overlook the toll it takes on athletes physically, emotionally, and mentally.
As shown with Dressel and gymnast Simone Biles, athletes may appear to have it all together because they’re performing at such a high level, but that’s not necessarily the case.
Beyond the sports world, I think we have a similar approach in other areas of our lives, as well. How many times have we focused on the “gold medals” of our neighbors, friends, and family members?
Their impressive jobs, accomplishments, and material things make us think they have it all together, but more than likely they might be “really good at hiding their emotions” and “put a pretty good show on before each race” when it comes to their struggles.
Many people suffer quietly while pretending they’re fine. They might be experiencing certain wins in their lives, but could be battling with anxiety, depression, pain, pressure, and discouragement at the same time.
The reality is, we’re all broken and in need of Jesus’ grace and love…and also need each other. When we find our hope in Jesus, He gives us the desire, to be honest, humble, vulnerable, empathetic, and compassionate toward one another.
We can then more readily live out what Romans 12:15 (ESV) tells us: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”
So today, let’s be the ones who other people trust with their true struggles and emotions and invite them to stop hiding and pretending everything is fine when it’s not.
Let’s point one another to Jesus, the One who ultimately helps us with our struggles and weaknesses, and allow Him to speak through us as we bring hope, encouragement, and love to those who are quietly suffering.
“Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you.
“Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts” (Colossians 3:12-16; NLT).
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray I’d have the discernment to know which people in my life are quietly suffering. Help me to look beyond the surface and be someone who people trust with their true emotions and struggles. I ask that I’d be compassionate and empathetic as I point people to the hope we have in Jesus. I pray this in His name, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
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What is the problem with so many people hiding their emotions and putting on a show that everything is fine?
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What holds you back from having honest conversations with people about what’s truly going on?
