Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky revealed earlier this week that she says the Hail Mary before a race. With the Olympics opening ceremony taking place tonight, here are a few other competing athletes where prayer or faith is an important part of their lives.
Usain Bolt
The 29-year-old sprinter, commonly described as the fastest man in the world, crosses himself and offers silent prayers before every race.
The 6’5 man machine, whose full name is Usain St. Leo Bolt, will be competing in the men’s 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay. After winning the 200m in 2012, he tweeted: “I want to thank God for everything he has done for me.”
