American high jumper Jesse Williams is one of the top 20 high jumpers in the world, and in 2012 he will compete in his first Olympic games. A California native who grew up on the east coast, he has been a Christian for much of his life. He uses the Word to stay focused when he is training. He told Beliefnet this about his faith:
"I have been grateful and blessed in life. I grew up in a Christian family and was taught my entire life Christian values, beliefs and morals. At a young age I accepted the Lord into my life and he has been with me ever since. Having a personal relationship with the Lord always gets me through the hard times and good times. I am far from perfect but always try and learn and never to repeat my mistakes and sin."
