Skip to content
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • Login
  • Subscribe
  • Renew
  • Donate
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • Login
  • Subscribe
  • Renew
  • Donate
The Alabama Baptist
Search
Close this search box.
The Alabama Baptist
Search
Close this search box.
  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Editorials
  • Classifieds
  • Free Email Newsletter
  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Editorials
  • Classifieds
  • Free Email Newsletter

‘Nothing without Him’: Olympian, World Games rhythmic gymnast describes impact of faith

  • August 13, 2022
  • Tracy Riggs
  • Featured, Latest News, People, Sports
Evita Griskenas competes for the U.S. in rhythmic gymnastics during the 2022 World Games in Birmingham.
Photo by Tracy Riggs/The Alabama Baptist

‘Nothing without Him’: Olympian, World Games rhythmic gymnast describes impact of faith

Evita Griskenas — U.S. Olympian, World Games competitor and multiple gold medal winner — might not be what some would consider a typical world-class athlete. 

Deeply contemplative and highly spiritual, 21-year-old Griskenas is as concerned with learning and practicing lessons about life as learning and practicing new rhythmic gymnastic routines.

“Each competition is unique and an experience in which I can learn and take something away from it as well as enjoy it,” Griskenas said. “Some competitions you might not do as well, but you’re happy that this one really hard thing worked.”

Her dedication to training is paying off. She competed at the Tokyo Olympic Games and hopes to be in Paris for the 2024 Olympics. In July she helped Team USA claim gold while taking the individual all-around title individually at the Pan American Championships in Rio de Janeiro.

“That was really exciting,” she said. “Standing on the pedestal, hearing [our] national anthem play … was a very special experience.”

She finished out of medal contention at the 2022 World Games in Birmingham: fifth in individual ribbon competition and seventh in individual hoop. But medals and wins are not what defines her, she said.

“There are lots of moments that I love, and not all of them are related to standing on a podium.”

Family influences

Griskenas’ family has been very supportive, both in her gymnastics career and in helping her grow in her faith. 

Though her mother, Olga, laughed at first when 4-year-old Griskenas saw a rhythmic gymnastics competition on TV and said, “I want to do this,” she listened to her preschooler’s desire. 

Olga first took her daughter to a gym with a balance beam, bars and vault. Young Evita showed the fighting spirit that would later help get her to world-class status by refusing to participate, saying it was the “wrong kind of gym.” 

The family soon located a rhythmic gymnastics gym, and Griskenas started learning skills similar to those artistic gymnasts use during floor routines, but using a ball, ribbon, hoop or clubs.

When she was about 6 years old, Griskenas would wake up in the night and ask, “Mom, can you play the music?”

She would dance for about an hour, then go back to bed.

Spiritual lessons

While her mother supported Griskenas’ dream of becoming an Olympic rhythmic gymnast by letting her dance in the middle of the night and driving the 2 1/2-to-3 hour round trip to the gym, her father, Sigitas, was teaching her about God and about life.

“It started when I was young,” she recalled. “My dad was an absolutely wonderful role model. He’s very, very knowledgeable. He taught me so much about the world and how to appreciate what God has created and how to structure my life around God.

“I grew up listening to all of the scriptural stories, and we would do walks in the park where he would tell me how God created the stars and the moon and all these wonderful things. 

“He also taught me how to appreciate the moment,” Griskenas added. “When we were taking a walk, he would say, ‘Stop! Smell that. Do you see it? It smells like fall, right?’ Now I notice that wherever I go.”

Though she struggled, as Griskenas matured so did her faith. 

Photo by Tracy Riggs/The Alabama Baptist

“Of course, I rely on Him a lot when I compete. I have found that through sport, as weird as that sounds, my faith has been strengthened because I get to see the way that the Lord influences my life and helps me out.

“I am nothing without Him,” she acknowledged. “My accomplishments are not what defines me. Yes, I competed at the Olympic Games, but that was the Lord answering my prayers.”

Patience and resilience

One life lesson Griskenas has learned through her sport is patience, a key in waiting for the right moment to perform a toss or reach for a catch. Perfect timing is essential, and that can’t be done without patience.

Another life lesson is resilience.

“But also on the Christian side … sometimes you have a few competitions or routines in a row where it doesn’t work,” Griskenas admitted. “This year I was in despair over something that happened with the ball. I sat there and cried and [said], ‘This is not OK.’

“I [thought to myself], ‘God, why did this happen to me?’ But I had more routines. I was like, ‘Get up and keep going.’

“You pray. Move on. The world doesn’t stop. You just have to continue to move. You can’t stay static.”

Though on the surface Griskenas’ life as an elite athlete may seem enviable, she struggled with making decisions about her future. After the Olympics she wasn’t sure about continuing in gymnastics and was dealing with difficult personal issues. College was looming, and she didn’t know if she could handle college while competing.

She remembers praying, “God, I don’t know what to do. I know this is gonna work, but help me.”

She is now in her second year of studies at Columbia University in New York. She also trains with her longtime gymnastics club and coach in suburban Chicago, which requires many flights between the two cities. It’s a balancing act of a different kind, but Griskenas said it’s been worth it.

“A lot of good things have come out of being able to do both,” she said, “and I’ve been able to do both because of His blessings and His guidance. Even when I’ve felt very unstable and unsure, what I could be sure of was that it will work out, even if I don’t know how.

“That’s the only reason I can have assurance — through God. I see Him everywhere and in everything and it’s beautiful.”

For a peek into Griskenas’ life follow her at Evita. Griskenas on Instagram.

Share with others:

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
LinkedIn
Share on email
Email

Latest News

  • Mount Enon Baptist in Midland City calls new pastor
    Mount Enon Baptist in Midland City calls new pastor
    September 23, 2023/
    0 Comments
  • Dozier Baptist welcomes Eugene Measows as interim pastor
    Dozier Baptist welcomes Eugene Measows as interim pastor
    September 23, 2023/
    0 Comments
  • Indian Springs FBC student ministry hosting ‘Saw You at the Pole’ rally Sept. 27
    Indian Springs FBC student ministry hosting ‘Saw You at the Pole’ rally Sept. 27
    September 23, 2023/
    0 Comments

Sign up for the Highlights

Get all latest content delivered to your email a few times a month.
Email is required Email is not valid
Thanks for your subscription.
Failed to subscribe, please contact admin.

Related Posts

UM alumni hosting disc golf fundraiser competition Sept. 16

August 30, 2023

The second Ram Jam Classic disc golf competition will be held at the University of Mobile campus on Saturday, Sept. 16. The event is a C-tier PDGA-sanctioned singles tournament and open to the public.

NASCAR drivers say prayer, faith important in their lives on and off the track

August 25, 2023

As the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series wraps up its 2023 regular season with the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Aug. 26 at Daytona International Speedway, drivers share how faith and prayer plays a role in their lives and careers.

A Night of Champions event brings athletes to church

August 21, 2023

In the Southeast, football is so celebrated that some joke it’s a religion. Craig Whitt, associate pastor of First Baptist

‘Quarterback’: New series showcases Kirk Cousins’ faith-centered voice, tribute to Bart Starr

August 12, 2023

As high school and college football players prepare for final reps before the 2023 season kicks off, avid fans are

Want to receive news highlights throughout the week? Sign up here!

Email is required Email is not valid
Thanks for your subscription.
Failed to subscribe, please contact admin.

About

  • Free Email Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Donate
  • Our Story
  • Our Staff
  • Awards and Recognitions
  • Affiliations
  • Partner Links
  • Advertise
  • Internships
  • Find Churches
  • Classifieds
  • Archived: Special Resources
  • Special Events
  • Photo Galleries
  • Free Email Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Donate
  • Our Story
  • Our Staff
  • Awards and Recognitions
  • Affiliations
  • Partner Links
  • Advertise
  • Internships
  • Find Churches
  • Classifieds
  • Archived: Special Resources
  • Special Events
  • Photo Galleries

Explore

  • Latest News
  • Archive
  • Sunday School Lessons
  • Editorials
  • Alabama News
  • Podcasts
  • Obituaries
  • Theology 101
  • Someone You Should Know
  • Rashional Thoughts
  • Persecuted Church
  • Heroes of the Faith
  • Reader Response
  • About Alabama
  • Videos
  • Latest News
  • Archive
  • Sunday School Lessons
  • Editorials
  • Alabama News
  • Podcasts
  • Obituaries
  • Theology 101
  • Someone You Should Know
  • Rashional Thoughts
  • Persecuted Church
  • Heroes of the Faith
  • Reader Response
  • About Alabama
  • Videos

Submissions

  • Story Ideas
  • Staff Change or News Item
  • Letter to the Editor
  • Reader Submissions
  • What Are You Reading?
  • Obituary
  • Correction / Clarification
  • Submission Policy
  • Story Ideas
  • Staff Change or News Item
  • Letter to the Editor
  • Reader Submissions
  • What Are You Reading?
  • Obituary
  • Correction / Clarification
  • Submission Policy

Subscribe

  • Start a new subscription
  • Renew your subscription
  • Start a new gift subscription
  • Start a new group subscription
  • Start a new subscription at the group rate
  • Subscribe to the TAB News app
  • Update your subscriber list
  • Subscribe to Highlights
  • Register for online access
  • Hosted Church
  • Manage Account | Customer Service
  • Start a new subscription
  • Renew your subscription
  • Start a new gift subscription
  • Start a new group subscription
  • Start a new subscription at the group rate
  • Subscribe to the TAB News app
  • Update your subscriber list
  • Subscribe to Highlights
  • Register for online access
  • Hosted Church
  • Manage Account | Customer Service
The Alabama Baptist
Address:
3310 Independence Dr.
Birmingham, AL 35209
Copyright © 2023 The Alabama Baptist, Inc.
  • Privacy Policy/Terms of Use
  • Help
  • FAQ
  • Privacy Policy/Terms of Use
  • Help
  • FAQ
Email:
news@thealabamabaptist.org

About

  • Free Email Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Donate
  • Our Story
  • Our Staff
  • Awards and Recognitions
  • Affiliations
  • Partner Links
  • Advertise
  • Internships
  • Find Churches
  • Classifieds
  • Archived: Special Resources
  • Special Events
  • Photo Galleries
  • Free Email Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Donate
  • Our Story
  • Our Staff
  • Awards and Recognitions
  • Affiliations
  • Partner Links
  • Advertise
  • Internships
  • Find Churches
  • Classifieds
  • Archived: Special Resources
  • Special Events
  • Photo Galleries

Explore

  • Latest News
  • Archive
  • Sunday School Lessons
  • Editorials
  • Alabama News
  • Podcasts
  • Obituaries
  • Theology 101
  • Someone You Should Know
  • Rashional Thoughts
  • Persecuted Church
  • Heroes of the Faith
  • Reader Response
  • About Alabama
  • Videos
  • Latest News
  • Archive
  • Sunday School Lessons
  • Editorials
  • Alabama News
  • Podcasts
  • Obituaries
  • Theology 101
  • Someone You Should Know
  • Rashional Thoughts
  • Persecuted Church
  • Heroes of the Faith
  • Reader Response
  • About Alabama
  • Videos

Submissions

  • Story Ideas
  • Staff Change or News Item
  • Letter to the Editor
  • Reader Submissions
  • What Are You Reading?
  • Obituary
  • Correction / Clarification
  • Submission Policy
  • Story Ideas
  • Staff Change or News Item
  • Letter to the Editor
  • Reader Submissions
  • What Are You Reading?
  • Obituary
  • Correction / Clarification
  • Submission Policy

Subscribe

  • Start a new subscription
  • Renew your subscription
  • Start a new gift subscription
  • Start a new group subscription
  • Start a new subscription at the group rate
  • Subscribe to the TAB News app
  • Update your subscriber list
  • Subscribe to Highlights
  • Register for online access
  • Hosted Church
  • Manage Account | Customer Service
  • Start a new subscription
  • Renew your subscription
  • Start a new gift subscription
  • Start a new group subscription
  • Start a new subscription at the group rate
  • Subscribe to the TAB News app
  • Update your subscriber list
  • Subscribe to Highlights
  • Register for online access
  • Hosted Church
  • Manage Account | Customer Service

Log In

Lost your password?

Log Out?

Lost your password?

Log in

Become a part of our community!
Forgot your password? Get help

Reset password

Recover your password
A password reset link will be e-mailed to you.
Back to
Login
×
Close Panel