What do you think?
Rate this book
Redemption: A Rebellious Spirit, a Praying Mother, and the Unlikely Path to Olympic Gold
The inspiring and gritty story of the World's Greatest Athlete
Redemption tells the inspiring and gritty story of Bryan Clay, the world's greatest athlete and 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 tells the inspiring and gritty story of Bryan Clay, the world's greatest athlete and 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.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published April 30, 2012
4 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 2, 2012
Redemption is an appropriate title for this book. According to the Random House College Dictionary, Redemption means deliverance from sin, salvation, rescue, or atonement for guilt. The author gave deep thought about the title and how the title foretells his story.
As the reader turns the pages knowing the book will be about the redemption of the main character a deeper meaning evolves. The reader learns Bryan’s mother was also redeemed. In the story Bryan remembers when his mother smoked marijuana and had constant fights with his father. His mother’s life changed when she became a Christian. The redemption of Bryan’s mother set the foundation that would later help Bryan understand that both right and wrong decisions affect your destiny.
God’s thoughts are not our thoughts neither are our ways his ways. (Isaiah 55:8) God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. (1 Corinthians 1:27)
Bryan makes a point to tell his readers he was not a likely candidate for an Olympic gold medal. He points out his characteristics did not match the likely candidate of a star decathlon athlete.
It is empowering when you can look back over your life to see how God worked all things together for your good. God took the good, bad and the ugly and used it for good in Bryan’s life. The fighting he witnessed as a child between his mother and father. The anger he built up in his heart that caused him to fight kids at school. The bad choices he made throughout college all worked out in the end for Bryan’s good. This is why no one can tell your story but you. You know every detail of your childhood to adulthood.
It is a credit to Bryan because he told his story so eloquently while connecting the dots from his childhood to adulthood. He allows the reader to take a peek into his life to understand that his childhood and teenage experiences contributed to his bad behavior. The reader can also see that Bryan takes personal responsibility for his life. Bryan’s discipline and focus as a decathlon athlete helped him win in the Olympics. Bryan also understands that God orchestrated his life from the very beginning.
According to Jeremiah 1:5, God said to Jeremiah “before I formed you in the belly I knew you; and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you, and I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” In Bryan’s memoir he reflects on a story his mother told him. When he was in his mother’s womb his mother prayed for him and ironically she was at a track. The track for-shadows the destiny of the son she carried in her womb.
In closing, Redemption is an interesting and easy to read book. The reader can see that Bryan has actively done some soul searching to find the answers to questions within him. The ending shows that Bryan is at peace with the experiences and events of his life that shaped his reality as an adult.
Brenda Johnson Padgitt’s mission in life is to use the creative talents God gave her in writing, teaching, and speaking to not only have self- fulfillment but to also have an impact on the audience God has predestined for her. Brenda is a mother, author, publisher, educator, entrepreneur, radio host and speaker.
http://www.brendapadgitt.com E-Mail: books@brendapadgitt.com
As the reader turns the pages knowing the book will be about the redemption of the main character a deeper meaning evolves. The reader learns Bryan’s mother was also redeemed. In the story Bryan remembers when his mother smoked marijuana and had constant fights with his father. His mother’s life changed when she became a Christian. The redemption of Bryan’s mother set the foundation that would later help Bryan understand that both right and wrong decisions affect your destiny.
God’s thoughts are not our thoughts neither are our ways his ways. (Isaiah 55:8) God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. (1 Corinthians 1:27)
Bryan makes a point to tell his readers he was not a likely candidate for an Olympic gold medal. He points out his characteristics did not match the likely candidate of a star decathlon athlete.
It is empowering when you can look back over your life to see how God worked all things together for your good. God took the good, bad and the ugly and used it for good in Bryan’s life. The fighting he witnessed as a child between his mother and father. The anger he built up in his heart that caused him to fight kids at school. The bad choices he made throughout college all worked out in the end for Bryan’s good. This is why no one can tell your story but you. You know every detail of your childhood to adulthood.
It is a credit to Bryan because he told his story so eloquently while connecting the dots from his childhood to adulthood. He allows the reader to take a peek into his life to understand that his childhood and teenage experiences contributed to his bad behavior. The reader can also see that Bryan takes personal responsibility for his life. Bryan’s discipline and focus as a decathlon athlete helped him win in the Olympics. Bryan also understands that God orchestrated his life from the very beginning.
According to Jeremiah 1:5, God said to Jeremiah “before I formed you in the belly I knew you; and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you, and I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” In Bryan’s memoir he reflects on a story his mother told him. When he was in his mother’s womb his mother prayed for him and ironically she was at a track. The track for-shadows the destiny of the son she carried in her womb.
In closing, Redemption is an interesting and easy to read book. The reader can see that Bryan has actively done some soul searching to find the answers to questions within him. The ending shows that Bryan is at peace with the experiences and events of his life that shaped his reality as an adult.
Brenda Johnson Padgitt’s mission in life is to use the creative talents God gave her in writing, teaching, and speaking to not only have self- fulfillment but to also have an impact on the audience God has predestined for her. Brenda is a mother, author, publisher, educator, entrepreneur, radio host and speaker.
http://www.brendapadgitt.com E-Mail: books@brendapadgitt.com
January 22, 2021
I’m a track and field fan. I’ve always liked Bryan Clay because he was an underdog and made it. The book is a great story. I love that he involved his faith and spoke about it extensively. I loved the stats and the honesty.
If you are a track fan or want to read a story of a person walking in their calling this is a good one for you.
If you are a track fan or want to read a story of a person walking in their calling this is a good one for you.
January 2, 2021
Brian Clay was one of this country's unsung hero's when it comes to sports. From his time of wanting to party at college to a gold medalist, it was an inspiration for me to hear how the Lord sustained him as he dedicated every training session, every meal, every workout to Him. The discipline it takes to achieve your goals at that level was awesome to hear. I learned alot about the heptathlon as well as the decathlon, some of the races I found myself there on the track, suffering, and ecstatic about his result, the author really gave you a real look at what athletes feel, the internal dialogue, and the prayer it takes to be the best. Good Christian motivational book.
September 23, 2025
Brilliant! I thought I knew much about the decathlon but this book exposed me to sides that were incredibly interesting.
I recommend.
I recommend.
May 11, 2012
I don’t typically review Christian sports biographies. This isn’t because I don’t like sports or memoirs (who doesn’t?). I love hearing stories of how athletes have overcome tremendous odds to excel at their sport and be at the top of their game. But I am suspicious of Christian celebrities. I think it is great when Christian athletes use their platform to give glory to God but in a culture where sports figures and celebrates receive undue adulation, often individuals are thrust into the lime light that do not have the personal character and commitment to match their words.
But with Bryan Clay, I have suspended my suspicions. This is in part with how genuine and humble he seems and partly because he’s from Hawaii. Although I am currently living in exile, I still have enough Kama’aina pride to appreciate this local boy.
Who is Bryan Clay? He is a twice medalled Olympic decathlete, committed family man, and follower of Jesus. This book tells the story of him growing up in a broken home as someone who struggled with anger and authority and was raised by a mother who felt she had a vision from God that he would one day have Olympic Gold. He was a good enough athlete in high school that he had his pick of full ride scholarships from Division I schools on down. In the providence of God he ended up at Azuza Pacific, a small Christian school with a great track program. When he first gets there, he is a good athlete but was too much of a partier to be at the top of his game. When he got serious about following God, his athletics improve (in part because of a change in lifestyle) and he gets the girl and lives happily ever after with an Olympic silver medal (2004) and and Olympic Gold medal (2008) in the decathlon.
Of course the story is more complicated than this, and Bryan tells about his struggle with anxiety and being in the will of God as he competes for Olympic Gold. At various points he shares how he felt God was telling him to try his best, and that he would make it good enough.
I liked this story, and admire Bryan for his commitment and training (not to mention considerable raw talent and ability). Certainly I think that God was with him and he attributes his great success to his ‘living by biblical principles.’
But I feel somewhat critical. I don’t know what he means by ‘biblical principles’ and while there isn’t a full blown prosperity theology described here, there is the idea that if you live life a certain way, God will grant you your success and dreams. I just don’t see this as warranted in scripture (the rain falls on the just and the unjust). On the other hand, I can see how his faith, helped shape his discipline as an athlete (and how athletic discipline helped him stay disciplined in his faith). I certainly like the story, and found it a quick engaging read, but I am wary that people would apply Clay’s life lessons and assume that God will deliver for them what he did for Clay.
But decathletes are so cool. Some people can run faster, others can jump higher, and some will throw farther, but decathletes run faster, jump higher AND throw farther. This means Bryan Clay is a manly, manly man.
So if you are a manly man (or know someone who is) and are looking for a story of one person’s exceptional manliness, success and his life with God, by all means, “Take and Read.”
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for this review.
But with Bryan Clay, I have suspended my suspicions. This is in part with how genuine and humble he seems and partly because he’s from Hawaii. Although I am currently living in exile, I still have enough Kama’aina pride to appreciate this local boy.
Who is Bryan Clay? He is a twice medalled Olympic decathlete, committed family man, and follower of Jesus. This book tells the story of him growing up in a broken home as someone who struggled with anger and authority and was raised by a mother who felt she had a vision from God that he would one day have Olympic Gold. He was a good enough athlete in high school that he had his pick of full ride scholarships from Division I schools on down. In the providence of God he ended up at Azuza Pacific, a small Christian school with a great track program. When he first gets there, he is a good athlete but was too much of a partier to be at the top of his game. When he got serious about following God, his athletics improve (in part because of a change in lifestyle) and he gets the girl and lives happily ever after with an Olympic silver medal (2004) and and Olympic Gold medal (2008) in the decathlon.
Of course the story is more complicated than this, and Bryan tells about his struggle with anxiety and being in the will of God as he competes for Olympic Gold. At various points he shares how he felt God was telling him to try his best, and that he would make it good enough.
I liked this story, and admire Bryan for his commitment and training (not to mention considerable raw talent and ability). Certainly I think that God was with him and he attributes his great success to his ‘living by biblical principles.’
But I feel somewhat critical. I don’t know what he means by ‘biblical principles’ and while there isn’t a full blown prosperity theology described here, there is the idea that if you live life a certain way, God will grant you your success and dreams. I just don’t see this as warranted in scripture (the rain falls on the just and the unjust). On the other hand, I can see how his faith, helped shape his discipline as an athlete (and how athletic discipline helped him stay disciplined in his faith). I certainly like the story, and found it a quick engaging read, but I am wary that people would apply Clay’s life lessons and assume that God will deliver for them what he did for Clay.
But decathletes are so cool. Some people can run faster, others can jump higher, and some will throw farther, but decathletes run faster, jump higher AND throw farther. This means Bryan Clay is a manly, manly man.
So if you are a manly man (or know someone who is) and are looking for a story of one person’s exceptional manliness, success and his life with God, by all means, “Take and Read.”
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for this review.
February 18, 2013
This story chronicles Brian Clay’s rise against seemingly insurmountable odds to become the Olympic decathlon gold medalist at the Beijing Olympics. Insurmountable? First, Clay stands 5’10” inches tall and weighs 180 pounds, hardly the prototype for a world-class decathlete. He had never competed in the javelin throw before, as there is no such competition in Hawaii. More important, Clay’s parents divorced when he was at a very early age. He had difficulty forgiving them and was the victim of fits of rage that got him into trouble at home and at school. His mother’s remarriage did little to alleviate his pain as his anger was often directed at his stepfather. One of the heroes of this story, his mother, kept the faith. She involved him in track and field at an early age to help curb his rage. A devout woman, she prayed for Brian and never lost hope. Brian was like many kids we see running around Kaneohe. For one he was never serious about school and relied only on his natural ability to win track and field events. Those wins, while at Castle High School, were good enough to get scholarship offers from several major colleges. His mother is the one who guided him to less-known Azusa Pacific University.
At Azusa Pacific, Clay was very good, but nothing earth-shattering. Enter the next important woman in Clay’s life, his future wife. She was also demanding, and guided him to right choices. Once Clay desired to be known for something more than a good athlete, and once he put his God and family before track and field, his career flourished. The U.S. Nationals, the World Championships, the Silver Medal at the Athens Olympics and finally the Gold in Beijing.
I liked the book. It is fast-paced and reads very well. Brian’s early life is new to me, as I have always seen him being a humble gentleman with class. So I read about his early life with keen interest—his dysfunctional family and going to work at the family business, a pickle company, at four in the morning, at the same time, learning a tenacious work ethic. This story is really high drama. While we know the result, the path to the gold was very shaky. The car could have been derailed any time. While I’ve read so many times about how grueling the decathlon is, I have never felt it (I have run in several marathons and competed in other multi-sport events. They do not seem to compare). This book has given me a greater understanding of the trials and rigors of the sport, for Brian describes the physical and mental fatigue taking place during the event. There are moral lessons to be learned—A good work ethic, working for the higher good.
Track and field is not Hawaii’s biggest thing, so while reading the sports pages, I may have read his name in small print in the back pages and forgot about it. I probably have seen Brian running around Kaneohe, as this is not a large town, but thought he was just another kid from the neighborhood. I used to go down to the Castle High School track to run in the evenings. I’d say hi to Coach Martin Hee coaching his team. Brian must have been there, but I never noticed. There this book brought so much to me.
To Brian is say thank you for writing this book. More important, thank you for representing yourself, your family, your country, your religion and all else very well. You are certainly a class act.
At Azusa Pacific, Clay was very good, but nothing earth-shattering. Enter the next important woman in Clay’s life, his future wife. She was also demanding, and guided him to right choices. Once Clay desired to be known for something more than a good athlete, and once he put his God and family before track and field, his career flourished. The U.S. Nationals, the World Championships, the Silver Medal at the Athens Olympics and finally the Gold in Beijing.
I liked the book. It is fast-paced and reads very well. Brian’s early life is new to me, as I have always seen him being a humble gentleman with class. So I read about his early life with keen interest—his dysfunctional family and going to work at the family business, a pickle company, at four in the morning, at the same time, learning a tenacious work ethic. This story is really high drama. While we know the result, the path to the gold was very shaky. The car could have been derailed any time. While I’ve read so many times about how grueling the decathlon is, I have never felt it (I have run in several marathons and competed in other multi-sport events. They do not seem to compare). This book has given me a greater understanding of the trials and rigors of the sport, for Brian describes the physical and mental fatigue taking place during the event. There are moral lessons to be learned—A good work ethic, working for the higher good.
Track and field is not Hawaii’s biggest thing, so while reading the sports pages, I may have read his name in small print in the back pages and forgot about it. I probably have seen Brian running around Kaneohe, as this is not a large town, but thought he was just another kid from the neighborhood. I used to go down to the Castle High School track to run in the evenings. I’d say hi to Coach Martin Hee coaching his team. Brian must have been there, but I never noticed. There this book brought so much to me.
To Brian is say thank you for writing this book. More important, thank you for representing yourself, your family, your country, your religion and all else very well. You are certainly a class act.
August 7, 2012
I recently had the opportunity to read a book called "Redemption" by Bryan Clay. When I chose to review this book, I will be honest - it's because it looked the best out of all the options. It wasn't because I thought I would enjoy it, or because I knew who Bryan Clay was (an amazing Olympic athlete.) I actually put off reading the book for a couple of weeks because I don't normally like autobiographies very much. When I did finally pick up this book it took me just a couple of nights to read the whole thing. Bryan has a great testimony. He spent his childhood dealing with a broken family, constantly getting into trouble, and running from God as fast as possible. But his mother just as constantly was on her knees praying for his future. It's amazing to read his story and see how he came from a kid who just liked to run to an Olympic athlete.
For me, reading his story of growing in his faith was really interesting. Bryan is a completely likeable person, and he was so honest about all of his feelings throughout his early years growing up and in college. But then I was also intrigued by his details of what was happening in his track & field life. As a former track star (okay, okay, that's over-reaching!) I knew many of the sports he was discussing, but I'd never heard of a decathlon. I never knew the physical stamina you must have for events that seem so simple, like javelin-throwing and the high jump. I was really into those parts of the book.
I finished the book around 11:00pm last night and immediately started Googling Bryan. I have not been watching the Olympics this year and I was now berating myself - if he was participating I definitely wanted to watch! Unfortunately he did miss the Olympic trials this year and is commentating rather than competing.
This book still made me gain so much respect for athletes. There is so much that goes on in the background that we don't know about, especially for competitions that don't get as much publicity like track & field. Also, Bryan's faith is extremely prevalent in his life. I now follow him on Facebook and you can tell he's just a normal, honest family man who has really strengthened his faith over these last few years.
I am definitely passing this book on, and I highly recommend for it to be read by you.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
For me, reading his story of growing in his faith was really interesting. Bryan is a completely likeable person, and he was so honest about all of his feelings throughout his early years growing up and in college. But then I was also intrigued by his details of what was happening in his track & field life. As a former track star (okay, okay, that's over-reaching!) I knew many of the sports he was discussing, but I'd never heard of a decathlon. I never knew the physical stamina you must have for events that seem so simple, like javelin-throwing and the high jump. I was really into those parts of the book.
I finished the book around 11:00pm last night and immediately started Googling Bryan. I have not been watching the Olympics this year and I was now berating myself - if he was participating I definitely wanted to watch! Unfortunately he did miss the Olympic trials this year and is commentating rather than competing.
This book still made me gain so much respect for athletes. There is so much that goes on in the background that we don't know about, especially for competitions that don't get as much publicity like track & field. Also, Bryan's faith is extremely prevalent in his life. I now follow him on Facebook and you can tell he's just a normal, honest family man who has really strengthened his faith over these last few years.
I am definitely passing this book on, and I highly recommend for it to be read by you.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
July 24, 2012
From a Troubled Youth to an Olympic Championship
Bryan Clay’s story is remarkable. It is a testimony of victory, of perseverance and faith. The subtitle of his book “Redemption” capsulizes his life: “A Rebellious Spirit, A Praying Mother, and the Unlikely Path to Olympic Gold.” It is the timely story of Bryan Clay, winner of the 2008 Olympic gold medal in the decathlon.
In the book Bryan compares specific parallels of the strenuous decathlon training with training for Christian discipleship and living the Christian life. Both require commitment, an irrepressible resilience, spirited courage, and a radical clarity. Bryan tells of his role models, mentors and coaches, as well as his spiritual mentors. He shares how a Christ centered perspective has refined his character, and of how an ardent love for Jesus has been the motivation for “continuing the race” for the Olympic Gold.
“Redemption: : A Rebellious Sprit, A Praying Mother, and the Unlikely Path to Olympic Gold” is more than an inspirational sports story, more than comprehensive information on the decathlon, and more than just entertaining, it is written with the goal of pointing the reader to the faithfulness of God.
Award winning journalist Joel Kilpatrick has collaborated with Bryan in telling his story. Joel has skillfully presented a first person narrative that reflects the vulnerability, perseverance, faith, and competitive spirit of Bryan Clay, Olympic champion, husband, father, and follower of Jesus Christ.
Although I felt there was some repetition in details of training, competitive events and practice routines, any decathlon enthusiast will identify with Bryan’s experience and relate very personally to the rigorous training.
After reading Bryan Clay’s story “Redemption” I have a new understanding and respect for every person with the dream of becoming an “Olympic Champion” and a better appreciation for the truth of the redemption provided me through Jesus Christ, the motivation behind Bryan’s victory.
As reviewed for Amazon Vine Program
Bryan Clay’s story is remarkable. It is a testimony of victory, of perseverance and faith. The subtitle of his book “Redemption” capsulizes his life: “A Rebellious Spirit, A Praying Mother, and the Unlikely Path to Olympic Gold.” It is the timely story of Bryan Clay, winner of the 2008 Olympic gold medal in the decathlon.
In the book Bryan compares specific parallels of the strenuous decathlon training with training for Christian discipleship and living the Christian life. Both require commitment, an irrepressible resilience, spirited courage, and a radical clarity. Bryan tells of his role models, mentors and coaches, as well as his spiritual mentors. He shares how a Christ centered perspective has refined his character, and of how an ardent love for Jesus has been the motivation for “continuing the race” for the Olympic Gold.
“Redemption: : A Rebellious Sprit, A Praying Mother, and the Unlikely Path to Olympic Gold” is more than an inspirational sports story, more than comprehensive information on the decathlon, and more than just entertaining, it is written with the goal of pointing the reader to the faithfulness of God.
Award winning journalist Joel Kilpatrick has collaborated with Bryan in telling his story. Joel has skillfully presented a first person narrative that reflects the vulnerability, perseverance, faith, and competitive spirit of Bryan Clay, Olympic champion, husband, father, and follower of Jesus Christ.
Although I felt there was some repetition in details of training, competitive events and practice routines, any decathlon enthusiast will identify with Bryan’s experience and relate very personally to the rigorous training.
After reading Bryan Clay’s story “Redemption” I have a new understanding and respect for every person with the dream of becoming an “Olympic Champion” and a better appreciation for the truth of the redemption provided me through Jesus Christ, the motivation behind Bryan’s victory.
As reviewed for Amazon Vine Program
May 7, 2013
Here's a success story every "angry young man" should read! It chronicles the life of gold medalist Bryan Clay from when he was beating up kids on the playground in grade school, until he trounced his competitors at the 2008 Olympic decathlon.
The son of an African American man and a Japanese woman, Bryan Clay had a wonderful life, until his family moved to Hawaii. Witnessing intense conflict between his parents built up a rage so intense the boy began lashing out against himself and others. Then his mother came back from a trip a changed woman, and began praying for her two sons. Things got worse when Bryan's parents divorced. By the time his mother remarried, the young man seemed to be on an irreversible course toward self-destruction.
Then he got involved in track, where he found not only an outlet for his powerful emotions, but also a boost for his self-esteem. His mother predicted he'd be a gold-medal-winning Olympian one day, but Bryan thought she was crazy. Nevertheless, thanks to her persistent prayers and the firm, loving leadership of several godly men, her vision was eventually realized.
See how the love of his life challenged Bryan to get real with God and brought about the change and stability he was lacking. Watch how the discipline he learned as a boy working for his grandfather helped to make him a successful student an athlete. Experience his fears, his doubts and struggles as Bryan faced off with some of the greatest athletes in the world during some of the most intense competition in the history of the sport. Learn how God gave him the peace and confidence to push forward, in spite of injuries, illness and other setbacks.
Whether you are a coach, a teacher, a sports fan, or parent, this is a great book to show you how to deal with those challenging kids in your life. If you have an aspiring athlete in the family, this would be a good resource to help him/her gauge whether they have what it takes to be world-class competitor. Get a copy for yourself and others today!
The son of an African American man and a Japanese woman, Bryan Clay had a wonderful life, until his family moved to Hawaii. Witnessing intense conflict between his parents built up a rage so intense the boy began lashing out against himself and others. Then his mother came back from a trip a changed woman, and began praying for her two sons. Things got worse when Bryan's parents divorced. By the time his mother remarried, the young man seemed to be on an irreversible course toward self-destruction.
Then he got involved in track, where he found not only an outlet for his powerful emotions, but also a boost for his self-esteem. His mother predicted he'd be a gold-medal-winning Olympian one day, but Bryan thought she was crazy. Nevertheless, thanks to her persistent prayers and the firm, loving leadership of several godly men, her vision was eventually realized.
See how the love of his life challenged Bryan to get real with God and brought about the change and stability he was lacking. Watch how the discipline he learned as a boy working for his grandfather helped to make him a successful student an athlete. Experience his fears, his doubts and struggles as Bryan faced off with some of the greatest athletes in the world during some of the most intense competition in the history of the sport. Learn how God gave him the peace and confidence to push forward, in spite of injuries, illness and other setbacks.
Whether you are a coach, a teacher, a sports fan, or parent, this is a great book to show you how to deal with those challenging kids in your life. If you have an aspiring athlete in the family, this would be a good resource to help him/her gauge whether they have what it takes to be world-class competitor. Get a copy for yourself and others today!
December 16, 2012
It should be noted that I'm a sucker for anything to do with the Olympics, that's why I was drawn to the autobiography of Bryan Clay, the 2008 Olympic Decathlon champion.
Every Olympians story is unique. What really impressed me about this book was the humility with which Bryan Clay and Joel Kilpatrick tell his story. Given Clay's success in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, it would've been easy for him to sing his own praises, but I felt he was very honest about his difficult upbringing, sports being just a means rather than an opportunity to go to college at first, aggravation with his deeply religious mother, and his own coming to religion in college and meeting his wife.
All of these events merged together to shape the Bryan Clay that Olympic fans know today. Clay wasn't the super-athletic freak that one might envision when thinking about what it takes to win the decathlon.
He openly admits the events that he's mortal in and even speaks of not seeing himself as an Olympic athlete, but more of a big man on campus type until he started doing well in competition.
He also provided great insights into the largely unknown world of the decathlon because most Americans are interested in swimming, gymnastics or basketball.
A story Olympians and non-athletes alike can get into.
Every Olympians story is unique. What really impressed me about this book was the humility with which Bryan Clay and Joel Kilpatrick tell his story. Given Clay's success in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, it would've been easy for him to sing his own praises, but I felt he was very honest about his difficult upbringing, sports being just a means rather than an opportunity to go to college at first, aggravation with his deeply religious mother, and his own coming to religion in college and meeting his wife.
All of these events merged together to shape the Bryan Clay that Olympic fans know today. Clay wasn't the super-athletic freak that one might envision when thinking about what it takes to win the decathlon.
He openly admits the events that he's mortal in and even speaks of not seeing himself as an Olympic athlete, but more of a big man on campus type until he started doing well in competition.
He also provided great insights into the largely unknown world of the decathlon because most Americans are interested in swimming, gymnastics or basketball.
A story Olympians and non-athletes alike can get into.
April 3, 2016
Redemption is Bryan Clay's testimony of how God changed his life and guided him into winning the 2008 Olympic gold medal as well as the 2004 Olympic silver medal in the decathlon. As a young adult, the author was full of anger and pain enough to set him on the road to self-destruction. Not unlike a lot of young men of today, he dabbled in drugs and found himself in a lot of fist fighting matches. For this reason, his story can and will reach the hearts of young people. Everyone knows that they tend to listen to someone who understands where they are at and why they feel the way that they do. This book is also very inspiring for parents as it explains in depth, the unwaivering faith of his mother and how she never ceased in praying for her son. She never gave up, this being a firm reminder for other parents to pray continously for your children. For all readers, this fact based book is a Hope that God can acheive the impossible. When the Lord touches this young man's heart it is a joy to hear of his further transformation. Once suicidal, Bryan Clay finds real purpose and meaning in his life. I am honored to have previewed his book for BookSneeze on line in exchange for my opinion. I foresee his story blessing many others in the future and applaud him for having the courage to share the aspects of his young years.
January 8, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I had not heard of Bryan Clay before this book but I admire how many times (and this may be true with many athletes) in not quitting during competition. I especially liked the times when he was in the very hardest parts of his competition and he “turned it over to God” in that he was going to do his best and God would do the rest.
Having come from a rough childhood, I was amazed that little by little God helped turn Clay’s heart into something that could work for something more. Though he started doing events and partying without God’s help, eventually he realized that God had a higher plan. I loved that even though Clay turned his life over to God in his athletic competitions, he didn’t ever stop preparing or planning himself. I find this to be true in many things in my life.
I also enjoyed how his wife Sarah made such an impression on him to be and do good, as well as his children once he had children. It was especially tender the note he got from his little boy that “he runs really fast”. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a little help in moving their life higher.
Not knowing much about the decathlon, those parts were also very interesting.
Having come from a rough childhood, I was amazed that little by little God helped turn Clay’s heart into something that could work for something more. Though he started doing events and partying without God’s help, eventually he realized that God had a higher plan. I loved that even though Clay turned his life over to God in his athletic competitions, he didn’t ever stop preparing or planning himself. I find this to be true in many things in my life.
I also enjoyed how his wife Sarah made such an impression on him to be and do good, as well as his children once he had children. It was especially tender the note he got from his little boy that “he runs really fast”. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a little help in moving their life higher.
Not knowing much about the decathlon, those parts were also very interesting.
October 6, 2012
I thought this book would be more powerfully told: a boy from Hawaii who overcomes several obstacles to become a gold-medal decathlete? Come on, Disney should be chomping at the bit for the movie rights!
This is more of a memoir or journal for Bryan Clay and is directed more at young track runners than stay-at-home moms of little ones. There are a lot of statistics (how far he threw the javelin, who holds what world record, 1500 meter times, etc.) which totally go over my head because I'm just not that interested/well-versed in the events of the decathlon. Clay shares his story in a plodding way and I almost stopped reading because it got pretty dull at times.
I did enjoy Clay sharing his faith and how it helped him to not only get through his difficult times but also succeed beyond his wildest dreams. He makes no bones about the fact that he got where he is by the hand of God in his life.
Clay's story should have been pepped up by a better writer. As it stands, this book would be great for an aspiring track star. It might give them the motivation to put their faith before their sport to see the results.
This is more of a memoir or journal for Bryan Clay and is directed more at young track runners than stay-at-home moms of little ones. There are a lot of statistics (how far he threw the javelin, who holds what world record, 1500 meter times, etc.) which totally go over my head because I'm just not that interested/well-versed in the events of the decathlon. Clay shares his story in a plodding way and I almost stopped reading because it got pretty dull at times.
I did enjoy Clay sharing his faith and how it helped him to not only get through his difficult times but also succeed beyond his wildest dreams. He makes no bones about the fact that he got where he is by the hand of God in his life.
Clay's story should have been pepped up by a better writer. As it stands, this book would be great for an aspiring track star. It might give them the motivation to put their faith before their sport to see the results.
November 26, 2012
Bryan Clay’s story is inspiring as well as sobering. As a parent it reminds you that your actions and reactions do affect your children in ways you sometimes don’t realize, and it gives you hope and faith that God is in control no matter what. God has a plan for each of our lives even when we don’t trust Him and follow Him.
Bryan Clay lays his life out for all to see. He shows you dark side of his youth, the faith of his mother, the struggles of his family and the grace of God through it all, not just his trip to the Olympics and 10 steps to his gold medal. This book is its own medal to all the youth workers, teachers, and individuals who invest in our children’s lives. You never know what kind of influence you may be to them and on who they may become. (rev. M.Free)
DISCLOSURE: We were provided a complimentary copy of Redemption by BookSneeze on behalf of the publisher Thomas Nelson and the author in order to facilitate our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. There was no obligation to render a positive review.
Bryan Clay lays his life out for all to see. He shows you dark side of his youth, the faith of his mother, the struggles of his family and the grace of God through it all, not just his trip to the Olympics and 10 steps to his gold medal. This book is its own medal to all the youth workers, teachers, and individuals who invest in our children’s lives. You never know what kind of influence you may be to them and on who they may become. (rev. M.Free)
DISCLOSURE: We were provided a complimentary copy of Redemption by BookSneeze on behalf of the publisher Thomas Nelson and the author in order to facilitate our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. There was no obligation to render a positive review.
January 21, 2013
Living in Southern California, Bryan Clay is a local hero. It was interesting to read of the difficulties he had as a child in Hawaii. His ending up at Azusa Pacific University is nothing short of a miracle. The relationships he built there, with his wife-to-be Sarah, his team of coaches and ultimately with God, all led him to his success in the decathlon. He struggled mightily with his competitors, with himself and with God, but in the end put his trust in God's plan for him; promising God to do his very best and expecting God to take care of the rest. This plan of action brought Bryan overcome many obstacles and helped him achieve Olympic gold.
October 30, 2012
Bryan was an RA for one of my best friends when we were in college at Azusa Pacific, so I've watched his career ever since his college days. he is such an inspirational man, and so I was so excited to read his autobiography. He doesn't mince words- he is honest about his successes and failures. It is refreshing to read an autobiography that truly shows a person, rather then just the funny or good parts. Excellent read for those interested in living the Christian life, and/or in track and field.
November 13, 2012
I read this book before the Summer Olympics of 2012. Clay's story was intriguing to me because I am always encouraged to hear the way God is working in other peoples' lives. I found myself cheering him on even though I had not heard of him before I read the book! I am generally not a fan of Track and Field events and so I skipped over a lot of the sections where he was giving sport-specific statistics. Aside from that, I really enjoyed the book quite a bit.
July 2, 2012
As athlete's stories go, not so bad, but be prepared for a lot of religious talk. I also think that due to his religious values, there was an effort to make his early life sound worse than it was. In case you were wondering, Clay didn't make the team for the 2012 London Olympics -- he placed in 12th after blowing some key events.
July 30, 2012
Enjoyed this book very much! Great book to read right before the olympics. I was strengthened by the determination and hard work he put towards his life and his Olympic dreams. I just wish he would have wrote later in his life as I was curious how his story would end. Thankfully there is Facebook and I can follow him there.
August 17, 2012
awesome book! finished a few days after the 2012 olympics and it was sad that he didn't compete. however the book was so inspiring for those who want to get in shape and for those looking for a closer relationship with God. He motivated me to set goals and work to achieve them both spiritually and physically. A must read...
September 1, 2016
It's great to watch the worlds greatest athletes compete and think they must have had a specially programmed upbringing and training regime. Not the case with Bryan Clay! His story has inspired me to chase dreams that I thought were impossible. God is an awesome Father who enjoys an underdog story.
May 7, 2012
From a rebellious angry child to the world's greatest athlete. Bryan Clay knows without a doubt who his source of strength is. In his story you will read how God works through people to guide this young man to greatest. LOVE IT!
July 20, 2013
Very inspiring story. As a former member of the APU track and field team, this was all the more meaningful to me as Bryan discussed the coaches and the program. He is a great example of following after God in the world of athletics.
August 4, 2016
Very inspiring story of a Christian athlete who went through a tough ride before getting his life together and achieving amazing things.
June 6, 2012
Inspiring book! The determination and commitment that Bryan shares is amazing. I love how he shares his life story and faith in God in a "not flashy" kinda way.
July 9, 2012
Excellent athlete autobiography with good insights about keeping perspective in life and putting the right priorities--God and family--above athletic achievement.
August 28, 2012
Enjoyable, heartwarming, a quick read. Inspirational.
May 21, 2013
Enjoyed his story, but a little too heavy on the God talk.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews