What we forget when watching such athletes is that most of them began working on their events much longer than four years. Many of them have devoted their entire lives for that one supreme moment when their flag is raised, their anthem played and the gold medal is placed around their necks. If he wavers in any way, he knows he will never receive the medal. In a way, Olympians are disciples. In the NT era, a disciple was one who gave himself to following a way of life or a teacher.
Olympians forsake all to devote themselves to a high calling.
Being a disciple of Jesus Christ requires the same commitment. Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Far too many people simply want to add Jesus to their lives not make Him Lord of their lives. They want to live like they want to all week and come to church on Sunday.