We all want to compete more freely. In this episode, host Samantha Kelley welcomes back FIERCE coworker who is a former All-American swimmer and professional distance triathlete Rachel Zilinskas to delve into the concept of "running free". The discussion centers on a profound message Rachel previously wrote regarding true freedom, which she defines as being possible only when one allows Jesus to untangle them from the roots of sin. They explore how high-capacity athletes often fall into the trap of self-reliance, attempting to "muscle" their way through life's hardships and mistakes rather than seeking divine healing for their underlying wounds. By acknowledging their identity as beloved daughters of God first, athletes can move past the external pressures of performance and find a lightness that persists regardless of worldly success or failure.

Rachel’s Quote:

“Running free is possible when you let Jesus untangle you from the roots of your sins so you can live and walk in the light. No matter how hard you try, those things that are restraining you can never be broken without the healing power of the name of Jesus Christ. Then you can run with a pure childlike freedom knowing your savior has the power to unbind you from the shackles of sin and make you new. You are his beloved daughter. You do not have to strive or toil to earn his love, but rather through his grace you can allow his love to penetrate the deepest parts of your soul. When you unite your heart to his suffering, even though you might feel pain you will also feel the unfathomable depths of the joy of His glory.”

Episode Takeaway

The key takeaway from the end of the episode is an invitation to intentional prayer through "being" rather than "doing":

• Schedule Time: Set an alarm for 10 to 15 minutes of dedicated time with the Lord.
• Strip Self-Reliance: Move away from performance-based prayer or rigid plans.
• Listen and Receive: While prayer involves asking and giving, its majority should be focused on listening and receiving from God.
• Simple Inquiry: If unsure how to start, simply ask Jesus, "Who am I?", "What do you want me to do?", and "Who are you?"

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Professional triathlete Rachel Zilinskas joins the FIERCE Podcast to share a gripping story about the core of athlete identity. She recounts her journey from being a two-time national champion swimmer at Georgia to navigating the brutal physical, mental, and spiritual demands of being an Ironman athlete.

After overcoming a series of debilitating stress fractures just to make it to the starting line, Rachel finds herself in the French Alps for the World Championships. She was in peak form, poised for a potential top-five finish on a course tailor-made for her climbing strengths. Mid-race, 10 kilometers into the bike course, however God led her on a path different than what she anticipated and yet far more impactful than she ever could have imagined.

Rachel was left with a profound realization, something Sam describes as one of the most profound things she has ever heard. Listen in to discover what that revelation was.

Takeaway:

Reflect on your own athletic journey and life. Recount the highs and the lows, and see how in every circumstance God was there the whole time. Listen to and receive Him call you Daughter. Ask God to reveal to you the fundamental truth that YOU are His and at every moment He is there to offer you an embrace.

NEXT WEEK: Don't miss next week as we go even deeper into the wisdom Rachel has gained from her competing and how to “race in freedom.”

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How do the opinions of others—coaches, teammates, fans, and parents—shape who we think we are? In this episode, Sam and Julianna explore the dangerous temptation to define one’s self-worth based on external feedback rather than a God-given identity. They discuss the "fine line" between constructive athletic feedback and personal opinions that can destroy an athlete's confidence or worth.

Drawing from personal experiences in college athletics, they talk about the pressure to fit in, the pain of being ignored by coaches, and the realization that "proximity does not equal permission" when it comes to letting others influence your heart. The episode also touches on the unique feminine desire to be "seen, known, and loved," and how to distinguish between God’s gentle voice and the negative "accusations" of the devil.

End of Episode Takeaway:

• Listen to the Freedom prayer at the end of the podcast again. Timestamp 30:27.
• Make a new list of the lies you believe about yourself and people’s opinions that you need to be rid of and pray this prayer…
• “In the name of Jesus Christ, I renounce, I rebuke, and I reject the (spirit, lie, fear, opinion, or comment of others) and I send it to the foot of the Cross.” (Repeat through your whole list) Thank you Lord for setting me free. Bless me Father.”

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