How Chrissy won silver in China

“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” This quote is familiar to Special Olympians around the world.

Last October, Christine Peters, a member of Westside Church, Morden, Man., bravely participated in the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, China. Chrissy jumped at the opportunity to travel to the international event as an alternate runner after a personal best performance in the 100m and 200m track events at the 2006 Canadian national games.

Chrissy Peters (5th from left) and her teammates at the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, China.

Chrissy was born January 25, 1980, the second of four children. When she was just one-and-a-half weeks old, Chrissy became ill and was eventually diagnosed with a rare chromosome disorder. We, her parents, were told she may never walk, talk, or do anything within normal developmental limits. However, by the time she started day care, Chrissy could walk. And when she started talking, she never quit.

As a preteen, Chrissy suffered with scoliosis and had to wear a back brace. Once again, she overcame her difficulties. After moving to a group home in Morden in 2003, she got involved with the Special Olympics and delighted her family by excelling at athletics – running, long jumping, bowling, and floor hockey.

For a year and a half after the Canadian nationals, Chrissy worked hard at intense physical and mental training. She even gave up some of her favourite foods. At times, she felt like quitting and that her training was in vain. But the trip would prove life-changing, both from a sports perspective and spiritually as well.

Finally, the day of departure arrived. Excited, but apprehensive, she had never flown before. Eight Manitoba athletes and their two coaches, along with other Special Olympic team Canada athletes, flew to China together.

When team members arrived in Shanghai, they had the opportunity to interact with local people and learn a bit about their culture. Chrissy and her teammates even spent time in people’s homes and helped prepare traditional Chinese foods.

The opening ceremonies on Oct. 2 introduced Chrissy to large crowds and a huge stadium, but these were just precursors of exciting things to come. The day Chrissy ran was thrilling and rewarding. The young woman who travelled to China as an alternate runner achieved podium standing!

The opportunity to accept her medals – a silver in the 100 m and bronze in the 200 m – was exciting for Chrissy and all who knew her. She had overcome so many challenges in life.

Chrissy’s silver and bronze medals.

But for her, it was only a secondary part of the whole experience.

Chrissy is a strong individual and has learned to adapt to life’s circumstances with grace. She understood her need for Christ at a young age and followed her commitment in baptism. Chrissy has no qualms about asking people if they believe in God. She tells most everyone she meets that she will pray for them – and she does.

Even while in China, a country where Christians are persecuted and not officially allowed to share their faith (see Persecution of Christians high in 2007), Chrissy witnessed to others. Her friendly disposition, along with a unique understanding of God’s love and the power of prayer, allowed Chrissy to achieve incredible success, both on the field and off. What a faithful and brave Special Olympian!

Tina Peters is Chrissy’s mom and a member of Westside Church in Morden, Man. She is married to Jack.