In a story posted by The Australian yesterday, it was reputed that “A young middle-distance runner has just made history as Australia’s fastest man over 1500m following a stunning run in France.”
Cameron Myers, 20, beat the Australian record for the 1500m with a time of 3:28.00 during the Paris Diamond League, surpassing Commonwealth champion Oliver Hoare’s record of 3:29.41 set in 2023.
The Aussie champion won the race easily, with the next fastest runner coming in more than 1.8 seconds later.
“Getting the Australian record means so much because obviously Olli (Hoare) and Stewy (McSweyn) were athletes that I looked up to a lot growing up. It’s just mental,” Myers said.
“It’s nice to finally tick it off. I knew I had something good in my legs, so I’m glad I was able to show it.
“Having that exterior pressure on yourself to get a time takes away from the main part of the race, which is winning. It’s going to be huge for me going forward…”
Cameron Myers, 20, beat the Australian record for the 1500m with a time of 3:28.00 during the Paris Diamond League, surpassing Commonwealth champion Oliver Hoare’s record of 3:29.41 set in 2023.
The Aussie champion won the race easily, with the next fastest runner coming in more than 1.8 seconds later.
“Getting the Australian record means so much because obviously Olli (Hoare) and Stewy (McSweyn) were athletes that I looked up to a lot growing up. It’s just mental,” Myers said.
“It’s nice to finally tick it off. I knew I had something good in my legs, so I’m glad I was able to show it.
“Having that exterior pressure on yourself to get a time takes away from the main part of the race, which is winning. It’s going to be huge for me going forward…”
Myers has been honing his craft under legendary coach Dick Telford since 2021 and has earnt several significant accolades in the middle-distance running space.
And, you know, in the same way that God has given everyone unique physical “crafts” or talents to be used to the best of their ability for His glory, He has given every believer unique spiritual gifts to be used in the same way.
And, you know, in the same way that God has given everyone unique physical “crafts” or talents to be used to the best of their ability for His glory, He has given every believer unique spiritual gifts to be used in the same way.
And you be sure that there are a variety of spiritual gifts (check out this article on spiritual gifts), or divine abilities, given by the Holy Spirit to believers to be used for God’s glory and for the common good and building up of the church. Doing this, as you can imagine though, requires that we hone those gifts in the same way an athlete hones theirs in preparation for a competition.
You see, the gifts we receive from the Lord through the filling of the Holy Spirit are not given to us fully developed but must be strengthened and matured through use. This is the very reason Paul wrote to Timothy and said “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”
The gift that Timothy was to "stir up" or “fan into flames” was most likely the gift of pastoral administration or the gift of preaching--something he needed for the bold proclamation of the gospel to a hostile environment. Paul then, knowing Timothy struggled with a timid personality, said “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
It was as if Paul was saying to the young pastor, "Don't be afraid Timothy. Cowardice and anxiety don't come from God. Always remember that God, through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives inside you, will equip you with the supernatural strength you’ll need to endure hardships and boldly share the gospel. God will also give you a selfless, Christ-like care for others that will prevent your ministry from becoming harsh or self-serving, and God will give you mental clarity, calmness, and the ability to make wise decisions under pressure."
This was such a great reminder to Timothy then and to us now that we aren’t left to grow or sharpen these gifts on our own but have the Holy Spirit to help us keep the flame lit. Our part is to be brave and follow God’s lead as the Head Coach, to boldly do the work He calls us to do, and to remain steadfast in our mission to fully use our gifts for the good of the church and for the glory of God.
So, no matter what gift(s) you might have, fan it into flames my friend by daily reading the Word and allowing the Lord to stoke the fire. After all, if we are to run the race to the best of our ability as we are called to do, we must each hone our craft! And that takes work!
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You have made us all unique with different physical abilities and different spiritual gifts. Help us to find out what our gifts are Lord and to learn to listen to You, our Coach, to instruct us as to how we are to hone those gifts and keep the flames fanned at all times. Thank You for allowing us to be a part of Your plan by using what You have given us. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!
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