Legendary British runner Eric Liddel once explained the joy he felt when he raced. He said that, when he ran, he could feel God’s pleasure.
Olympic gold medalist, WNBA star Maya Moore, says she absolutely identifies with that sentiment.
“I think it’s something that I was experiencing even before I knew I was experiencing it.”
“I was already doing that in high school, and I don’t even know. It was just the joy of of doing what you know God has created you to do.“
From high school Maya went on to earn MVPs at every level and secure multiple championships with the Minnesota Lynx. Despite being regarded one of the best female basketball players, she recognizes the importance of finding true joy.
“You can do something at a high level, but at the end of the day still feel empty.
Maya’s found a way to remember who she really is. She recalls the moment when that became clear for her.
“One of my favorite moments from college was when we won a Big East title -I think my sophomore or junior year. I’m exhausted, I’m tired, I’m happy, we’re celebrating. I’m sitting on my bed, and I was smiling because, yeah we won, and we played well. We were dominating everybody that year; we’re just playing super well.”
“But I’m not empty inside. It was just a really cool moment. I was probably twenty years old, and it was a significant moment for me because I knew my identity.”
“I could stop playing basketball today, and I would be OK.”
