DAVID ADAMS speaks with sports chaplain Hannah Johnson, among the many chaplains who are in Rio de Janeiro for the Olympic Games…
For New South Wales sports chaplain Hannah Johnson, it’s journeying alongside the athletes as they compete at the Olympic Games in Rio over the next two weeks that she’s been most looking forward to.
“Just doing the journey with people, some of our athletes I have known for years and to see them here, seeing their dreams become a reality is so great,” the 33-year-old from the Hills District of Sydney tells via email Sight from Rio.
CHRIST THE REDEEMER: The famous statue of Jesus is among the sights Hannah Johnson has seen in Rio de Janeiro. PICTURES: Hannah Johnson.
“I guess my role started before the games and so walking the journey with many of the athletes that didn’t qualify or that due to injury had to pull out has been the biggest challenge. But here I think one of the challenges is to not get caught up in the event but to just be here for them.”
– Hannah Johnson
But that’s also what she’a already found to be the most challenging aspect of her mission in the build-up to the Opening Ceremony last Friday.
“I guess my role started before the games and so, walking the journey with many of the athletes that didn’t qualify or that, due to injury, had to pull out has been the biggest challenge,” she says.
Ms Johnson adds that, now that she’s arrived in Rio, “I think one of the challenges is to not get caught up in the event but to just be here for them”.
The NSW & ACT director of Sports Chaplaincy Australia where her role involves “growing” sports chaplaincy within both sporting bodies and churches, Ms Johnson is among scores of chaplains who are attending the games to provide support to athletes, support staff and officials.
It’s the first time she’s been in the role at an Olympic Games.
“I’m here as a support for our athletes/officials and staff and my job is everything and anything,” she explains. “I’m available to just chat and connect, I respond to specific situations or athletes that are dealing with different challenges, I connect with some of the families and friends (often where relationship is already existing). I’m available to provide spiritual care if needed but generally speaking, I’m here as a safe, confidential support and that outworks in many different forms.”
Hannah Johnson
Ms Johnson says the role came about through relationships she had built up over time.
“I have positioned myself at lots of the different Olympic sport national events and through building those relationships with athletes and coaches and staff I guess it just made sense.”
While she’s long had a love for sport and played at higher levels of hockey – her sister was a Hockeyroo, Ms Johnson, who attends Hillsong Church, says her Christian faith is the key reason she’s in Rio.
“I guess my faith is why I’m here, without it I, wouldn’t be. I have volunteered my time over the last couple of years to connect with the athletes (coaches, families [and so on]) because I believe God has given me a heart for people and so my faith is something that is a daily thing and being here and doing chaplaincy is just one way I outwork it.”
Asked what people can be praying for with regard to her role in Rio, Ms Johnson’s reply is succinct: “For opportunity to build new relationships, wisdom when chatting and sharing the journey with people – and, I guess, that Christ would be seen in my words and actions.”
