"Redemption" by Bryan Clay (Olympic champion) with Joel Kilpatrick

ISBN: 9780849948275
Hardcover: $24.99

About the book:  This is the story of the most unlikely Olympic decathlete in history. Despite size and stature, Bryan Clay is the defending champion of the 2008 Olympic gold medal and winner of the 2004 Olympic silver medal in the decathlon. His journey is as inspiring as it is gritty, as troubled as it is triumphant.

Far more than just a sports memoir, Redemption details the drudgery, devastation, and ultimate conversion that led Bryan to become a world champion. “[God] had a plan when I believed that dreams never came true because, in my life, they never did,” says Bryan. Through a remarkable series of events and devoted prayers of his mother, Bryan’s life was turned around into a victorious narrative of truly being redeemed.

Review:  Bryan Clay’s story is inspiring as well as sobering.  As a parent it reminds you that your actions and reactions do affect your children in ways you sometimes don’t realize, and it gives you hope and faith that God is in control no matter what.  God has a plan for each of our lives even when we don’t trust Him and follow Him.  

Bryan Clay lays his life out for all to see.  He shows you dark side of his youth, the faith of his mother, the struggles of his family and the grace of God through it all, not just his trip to the Olympics and 10 steps to his gold medal.  This book is its own medal to all the youth workers, teachers, and individuals who invest in our children’s lives.  You never know what kind of influence you may be to them and on who they may become.

DISCLOSURE:  We were provided a complimentary copy of Redemption by BookSneeze on behalf of the publisher Thomas Nelson and the author in order to facilitate our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. There was no obligation to render a positive review.