Christian Athlete Takes a Fall But Still Wins the Race

Heather Dorniden took a terrible fall during a race that would have been the end of the story for most people. But what she did next was so surprising that it's still inspiring people 10 years later!

It's hard to believe it's been more than a decade since Heather Dorniden took a bad fall during the 2008 Big Ten 600-meter final race in Minneapolis. But the grainy VHS video reminds us just how long ago this epic moment took place.

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As the video reminds us, this isn't about a race. It isn't about a fall. It's an inspiring display of how we truly can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Heather Dorniden fell to the track . . . hard. As spectators watched the gap between her and the other runners widen, you can imagine that everyone had given up on Heather's chance for a win. Everyone, except for Heather herself, who just got up and kept running like nothing had happened.

Heather remembers, "After I fell, it was as if a vacuum had sucked all the energy out of the place; then, as I started to gain momentum, it was like a crescendo of noise and excitement, all the way to the finish line. I thought, “Wouldn’t it be cool if I caught them all?”  

Heather Dorniden Fall Still Inspires Today

Heather was most surprised to learn the impact that moment has had on others' lives. In an interview with BTN, she shared, "What’s probably most powerful to me is the sheer quantity and variety of people with different backgrounds who all have felt compelled to reach out to tell me how this race has affected them."

She continued, "This race is so easily relatable to everyone’s lives. I’ve heard from cancer survivors, people battling addiction, struggling artists, parents, athletes and coaches of every sport, runners of every age and ability…the list could go on. I always tell people this race isn’t just about never giving up, it’s about discovering what you’re capable of when you are given the opportunity to rise above adversity."

"I would have never guessed that getting up and finishing that race would have made me a “YouTube sensation.” Not every fall I’ve had has been quite so epic, but I learned that it’s worth getting up every time." Heather explained.

Now married, Heather Kampf still runs professionally but knows her true mission. She says she is, "constantly striving to represent God who has blessed my life abundantly."

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I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. - Philippians 4:13

WATCH: Christian Athlete Heather Dorniden Inspires Others in Viral Video

Credit: Marc DeMeester

Featured Image Credit: Facebook/Appster