Well, the Games of the XXX Olympiad are well and truly under way! Auschap.com has pulled out an ‘electronic interview’ completed just prior to Beijing, with former Olympian Dave Beard. Before the Volleyroos great success in qualifying for London 2012, Dave had featured in Australia’s only other two Olympic appearances in men’s indoor volleyball. Here is his response to some questions thrown at him about his career and his Christian faith… like do these things even go together?!?

What do you remember of your Olympic Games experience?

A few things stick in my mind. At both Olympics the camaraderie between athletes of all countries and sports was fantastic. Everyone just wanted each other to perform to their best. This is especially true amongst the Aussie Camp! The opening ceremony in Sydney and the history of Athens were two moments that really stick in my mind.

Can you give us some background on your sport interests growing up?

I loved all sports, I loved competition. I played soccer, AFL, Cricket, Tennis, Basketball, Hockey, you name it I gave it a try. My dad was big on giving everything a go before concentrating on one or two in particular.

Why did you choose to pursue volleyball?

I actually didn’t get introduced to volleyball until year nine at high school. Our school cricket team flunked and so we joined the volleyball team to get a day off school. The teacher running it was so passionate about the game and the teamwork involved, that he helped us realize how great the game was and how it really is the ultimate TEAM game. Who would have thought it would have led to a career!

Have you always been a Christian?

No. It wasn’t until about the age of 21 that I realized that Jesus is the true King, not me, and that he had died on a cross for my rebellion against Him. I’d learnt the stories as a child, but it wasn’t until then that the impact of them really hit me.

What did it mean for you to be a Christian and an elite athlete at the same time?

It gave me a real purpose for my sport. To use my God given gifts to bring glory to the true King. It wasn’t always easy to do this as my pride wanted me to get the accolades. But at the end of the day I was playing for Him.

Who is the greatest athlete you have ever met / seen?

That’s a really tough question as there are many… however, Giba the Brazillian Volleyballer is probably the most amazing guy I’ve ever seen and met. His ability to win in the toughest of situations is incredible. He always plays well and his knack of getting his teammates to perform at their best is awesome. Funnily enough, when we played him in juniors their coach said he would never make it because he was too small. It just shows what a lot of determination and shear guts can do!

How does being a Christian compare to going to the Olympics?

Being a Christian is the best thing – absolutely! It’s better than any Gold Medal too. An eternity in heaven is the best ticket anyone can get… and it’s free… all you gotta do is ask for it!

What has being a Christian meant for you in retirement?

It really hasn’t changed at all, however I’m now using my gifts in the work place as opposed to the sporting field. It still gives me a real purpose in what I do. It has also made my transition from elite sport to ‘normal’ life a lot easier as my identity is wrapped up in God, not my sport.