Redemption by Bryan Clay

Redemption by Bryan Clay with Joel Kilpatrick is an inspiring story about how a life can be completely changed with faith. Bryan may not have had the Olympic life he is now living without it, and this story about his journey is moving and highly motivational.

Book Description

“The inspiring and gritty story of the World's Greatest Athlete.

 Redemption tells the story of Bryan Clay, winner of the 2008 Olympic gold medal and the 2004 Olympic silver medal in the decathlon. By the grace of God, Bryan went from being a fist-fighting, drug-using, presuicidal kid in Hawaii to world champion in the toughest Olympic sport. His secret? A dramatically rediscovered faith and his mother’s relentless prayers.

Redemption goes beyond standard sports memoirs, giving a clear storyline of an athlete’s misspent youth, his desperate Christian conversion at a time of utter personal defeat, and his mother’s fervent prayers that helped transform him into a top athlete, family man, and loving father. Bryan’s story will inspire mothers, fathers, and young readers alike as they experience the rise of a champion from obscurity and failure to the pinnacle of athletic achievement.

The world will be watching Bryan, at the age of 32, defend his gold medal at the London Olympics in 2012.” – Redemption

My Thoughts

Redemption is such a motivational read for people of all types, but especially athletes and people that could end up going in the wrong direction in life. Those little choices that we all make each and every day can lead to a life that is not one that is faith-based. However, as Bryan’s journey shows, things can be changed and turned around for the better – thanks to love, faith and prayers.

I found this to be a very uplifting book that was very easy to read. It is well written and relatable to people, even us non-Olympians. I recommend it for everyone to read that wants to know more about this superstar Olympic athlete, and especially for those people who need some inspiration and courage to change the direction of their life for the better. Who knows, this book might inspire future Olympians to get out there and run (or do their other favorite sport).

* Thank you to the publisher of Redemption, Thomas Nelson, for providing me with a copy of this book for review as part of their Book Sneeze program. All opinions expressed are my own.