(AP) Young athlete faces uneasy balance of faith, sports

When 7-year-old Amalya Knapp took the beam at the New Jersey state gymnastics finals last month, her excellent performance symbolized a far more complicated balancing act.

Although she would have ranked fifth in her age group, eligible for a medal, her individual scores were discounted. She was unable to compete on a Saturday because of her Orthodox Jewish family’s observance of the Sabbath.

“I was upset,” Amalya said, “but my mother told me there are decisions you have to make.”

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Posted in * Culture-Watch, * Religion News & Commentary, Children, Judaism, Other Faiths, Religion & Culture, Sports, Women

3 comments on “(AP) Young athlete faces uneasy balance of faith, sports

  1. Albany+ says:

    Brave choice. Right choice. Christians need to emulate. Sports are out of control — the new suburban religion.

  2. Br. Michael says:

    Agreed. How many parents let children attend Sunday morning sports events? I say good for her.

  3. montanan says:

    [b]Chariots of Fire[/b] was about this same problem, though for a Christian and at the Olympic level. It always amazed me how much Hollywood & our country embraced that movie. I’ve wondered if it would have a different reception now than when it was released.