Quote

“Success is not who you are. It’s only a part of your story"
- Jon Acuff

Real Life

Barbara Kendall is a household name in the New Zealand Olympians community. A trailblazer, a champion, and a role model.

Over the span of her windsurfing career, she competed in five consecutive Olympic Games from 1992 to 2008 - an achievement only a handful of athletes worldwide can claim. She won a complete set of Olympic medals: gold in Barcelona (1992), silver in Atlanta (1996), and bronze in Sydney (2000), cementing her status as one of New Zealand’s all-time greats.

Barbara’s impact extended far beyond the water. She was chosen as New Zealand’s flagbearer at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, and after retiring from competition, she transitioned into global leadership roles, becoming a member of the International Olympic Committee and advocating for athlete wellbeing, youth development, and women in sport on the world stage.

What makes Barbara’s story remarkable isn’t just her medals or her longevity, it’s that, in the midst of pressure, expectations, and the spotlight, she grounded her identity not in performance but in purpose. In sport, value is often measured in tenths of a second or centimetres, with someone always faster, younger, or stronger. Life isn’t much different, as we often define ourselves by productivity, success, or image. But God sees us differently, with a value that isn’t based on what we achieve, but on who we are.

Ephesians 2:10 says we are “God’s handiwork”, created by Him with a specific design and purpose. That means our value doesn’t come from what we achieve but from who we are in Him. Before we do anything, God already calls us His own, and this is true on the medal podium, and when we fall flat. Barbara’s medals didn’t make her more valuable in God’s eyes, and her fourth-place finishes didn’t make her less. The scoreboard might measure results, but it doesn’t measure worth. The same is true for you. Whether you’re on the field, in the gym, chasing a PB, or sitting on the bench - God’s love for you doesn’t rise or fall with your performance. Your value isn’t determined by stats, rankings, or how many wins you’ve racked up, it comes from your place in God’s family.

Bible Verse

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for creating me with careful design and unique purpose. Help me to remember this during my times of trial and my times of triumph.

Author: Michaela Jameson   |   Content Editor: Phil Pawley