Media release: Adam's road to glory

Scripture Union volunteer Adam Pengilly is hoping to use his Olympic experience to help young people focus on God. Adam competed for Great Britain at this year’s Winter Olympics in bob skeleton, the event where athletes hurtle headfirst on a sled down an icy, mile-long track at 85 mph!

Adam lay fourth after the first run but was unfortunately pushed back to eighth by the end of the competition. Although Adam wasn’t expecting to challenge for a medal in Turin, in the end he was disappointed to miss out. ‘The original aim was to push for a medal at Vancouver in 2010, so it was an unexpected surprise to be in with a shout of a top three finish after the first run. But to then slip back to eighth by the end of the competition was disappointing. It was hard to take at first but I had to remind myself to put things into perspective; God has a much bigger plan for me.’

Adam, who set a track record in Germany during the World Championships in 2004, hopes to use his Olympic experience to help young people like those at Tuned In, the Scripture Union holiday he served on in 2005. ‘Everybody has goals and aspirations in life and it’s encouraging to see young people with so much enthusiasm,’ says Adam. ‘But I hope to use my experience to show people about putting those goals into perspective. It’s easy to get wrapped up in wanting to succeed, but the Lord is infinitely bigger and has so much more planned for us all.’

With training facilities for bob skeleton limited in the UK, Adam is often on his travels, but thinks it is important to find time to volunteer. ‘I have a fantastic time at Tuned In. There is great fellowship within the team and being able to share the truth of the gospel with young people is a massive privilege.’ And how does travelling at 85 mph down an ice track compare with leading a group of excited young people on holiday? ‘I sometimes think bob skeleton is easier,’ jokes Adam, ‘but perhaps that’s because I’ve had more practice!

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For more information or hi-res images, please call Scripture Union’s Communications Manager, Adam Petrie on 01980 856030 or email adamp@scriptureunion.org.uk