Back in February I did an interview for "A Time to Love" Christian magazine. The article has been posted and I think it's pretty good. Below first is a quote from the awesome lady, Di Freeze, that did the interview. Then check out some more pics at the bottom.
When I interviewed Donny, his energetic and positive attitude was unmistakable, as was his determined nature. One of the things that struck me the most about him, however, was his deep sense of commitment, both to the sport he loves and to Christ.
It’s easy to trust God when things are going well, and to thank him for the blessings. Donny has done that, but along the way, he’s also learned to hand over the reins when things look a little bleaker, and to thank God even for those times.
Donny’s story isn’t just about him, though. It’s also about the people who helped shape his life, including the Christian influences from Erick “Big E” Bartoldus, Randy Stumpfhauser and Sara Kirkland. Each one of them can be proud that they allowed God to use them for His higher purpose, as can Donny, who carries on that tradition.
Olympic BMXer Donny Robinson: Small in Stature, Big in Purpose
by Di Freeze
Olympic Bronze medalist Donny “dR” Robinson takes his position as a Christian role model for young people seriously. But he has a hard time suppressing laughter when he stops and thinks what’s put him in that position. “It’s weird to think that at 25 years old, I’m making a living riding a little kid’s bike,” he says.
Donny’s journey towards the Olympic podium began when he was 6 years old after going to a BMX track in Napa Valley, Calif. As Donny made an enthusiastic jump, his dad=2 0captured the moment on camera. “I was super small and my bike looked way too big for me,” he says. “My front wheel was about four feet up in the air and my back wheel was only about three inches off the ground. Afterwards, I asked my dad, ‘How high did I get?’ Since I’m so small, it felt like I got a bunch of air, but I really didn’t.”
Even though there were hurdles ahead, Donny’s destiny took him from that track to many others, culminating last year when he proudly represented the first ever USA BMX Olympic Team at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China.
Along his path, Donny encountered three Christians who showed him the importance of making God the center of his life.
...
What happened before and after the 2008 Summer Olympics seems like a dream to Donny. AT&T, Hershey, Kellogg’s and Nike became his sp onsors, as well as McDonald’s, placing his image on Olympic-themed cups and bags. As the face of BMX, Donny made the talk show rounds, appearing on “Mad Money with Jim Cramer,” “Oprah” and “The Today Show.”
Of course, all that pales when it comes to the day Donny stood on the Olympic podium, on August 22, 2008, after taking home the bronze medal.
Donny worked hard for that honor, but he hasn’t forgotten who placed him on that podium. “I’m really thankful that God has blessed me with this whole journey,” he says.
My girlfriend and I were at the video store and on the counter I saw this donation cup. Why is everyone trying to help out Olympic Champion Maris Strombergs? I think he's doing all right.
KY and I right after the main in Australia. Actually meant a lot to me that he did this.
