As he looks forward with confidence to accomplishing new goals at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games, he also sets his sights on becoming a youth pastor.
Recently, I had the privilege of getting acquainted with Trevor Marsicano through an email interview.
Sport: Long Track Speed Skating
Date of Birth: April 5, 1989
Hometown: Ballston Spa, New York
Current Home: Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Ballston Spa, New York
Church Affiliation: Non-Denominational, Christian
More: Trevor's TeamUSA Profile
Interview with Christian Athlete Trevor Marsicano
As a young man, Trevor Marsicano already knows a lot about overcoming serious obstacles. Not only did he learn to cope through an early struggle with depression, he also suffered a severe injury to his leg while competing in a 2004 short track race. His leg was slashed to the bone by another skater's blade, nearly severing an artery and causing him to lose half his body's blood. But Trevor did not let the injury stop him; He returned to speed skating stronger than ever.His life verse is Ecclesiastes 7:13-14: "Accept the way God does things, for who can straighten what he has made crooked? Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life." (NLT) Trevor said these verses remind him "to never give up on myself or God and to appreciate the good times that come because there will always be a time of depression."
Trevor accepted Jesus Christ as Savior at age 13. "I remember I was sitting on a chair in my living room," he said. "I was reading a pamphlet on how to accept Jesus into my life. I was going through a hard time in school and was looking for some hope and love that would never fade. Jesus was my answer."
When at home, Trevor attends a non-denominational church every weekend and goes to small group meetings when he can. "When I am on the road, I always bring my Bible to read and a few Northway Church podcasts to watch," he said. "Also, I try to get together with other believers on my team."
Spending time alone with God on a daily basis is an important priority for Trevor. "I like to read the Bible. I try to read it every day. I also like to read daily devotionals I find on the internet or in books, to spend time with God and so I can better understand what I am reading."
"I am Competing for God"
I asked Trevor how his faith influences him as an athletic competitor. He said, "It helps me remember that I am competing for more than just a result or a medal. I am competing for God. People will always come and go. In the world of athletics, you will find you are liked and rewarded from people based off of your results. But, whether you perform great or poorly, God will never treat you any different. He will always unconditionally love you and support you."
Taking a strong stand for Jesus Christ is not always easy in the world of competitive sports. Trevor said, "Sometimes I am persecuted for believing in God when others don’t understand it. They try to debate with me and tell me why I shouldn't believe in God. In the athletic world it is hard to not be the 'normal athlete' who goes out to party, get drunk, have sex, and anything else God would not like. It can be a challenge at times to stay true to my faith in God and not be deterred from God."
Just as outstanding athletes inspire and challenge us, most of them can also point to a personal hero who spurred them on in life. As a teenager, Trevor said his youth group leader, Sam Box, was a true inspiration who encouraged him to get closer to God. "He really helped me see the love of God when I was going through a rough time in school and in life," said Trevor.
Mark Batterson is another Christian who helped motivate Trevor through his book, In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day. He said, "It teaches us that God can do anything for us. We don’t need everything to be perfect or we don’t need the perfect scenario to have success. We have to make the best of what God gives us to work with. God will take care of us as long as we put the work in."
Trevor's favorite Christian music artist is Skillet. "I love their songs of coming out of hopelessness and into the light of God," he said. "Their music has inspired me to look to God through all of my problems and that God loves me no matter what I am going through."
Like other Christian athletes I've spoken with, Trevor's faith helps to keep him grounded in reality. It's important, he said, to "remember that God’s love is always consistent and always there. Don’t get caught up in people giving you good or bad attention based on how successful or unsuccessful you are."
Trevor believes the most important life-lesson he's learned so far is this: "Surround yourself with positive people. If you surround yourself with foolish people you will become foolish. If you surround yourself with positive people you will become positive."
