Today begins the 100-day countdown to the opening ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics. Already in the news, we've been hearing quite a bit about the athletes scheduled to compete August 8-24 in Beijing, China. But something we're less likely to see is a spotlight on the faith of the Christian Olympic athletes. Yet, it's true that throughout history, the lives of Olympic competitors have served to inspire and challenge us on a personal level. I recently had the privilege, through email interviews, to get acquainted with some the Christian athletes bound for Beijing this summer. As I read their answers, my own faith was stirred by these young role models.

Sanya Richards is just one of the Christian athletes you'll get to know. She is engaged to Super Bowl Champion, Aaron Ross, and in the running for a gold medal this summer, but Sanya hasn't let success go to her head. She says, "My faith keeps me grounded. People always ask me how come I'm so good, and even though I try never to overwhelm people with my faith, I always think to myself, how come God is so good. My faith also encourages me to give my best. I know that my talent is God's gift to me, and how I use it is my gift to him."

I have compiled all of the responses from these inspiring Christian athletes into faith profiles that are sure to encourage your faith!

• Faith Profiles of the 2008 Olympic Christian Athletes