Who are the patron saints of athletes?
On the occasion of the 2024 Olympic Games, discover which saints watch over athletes and guide them in surpassing themselves.
Saint Sebastian, patron saint of all athletes
Saint Sebastian is said to have lived in the 3rd century. An officer in the army of Emperor Diocletian, he is said to have converted to Christianity. He was condemned to death for his faith. The Christian martyr is presented as the patron saint of athletes because of his physical resistance to the pain inflicted on him. Saint Sebastian is the star patron of athletes around the world. Amateurs or professionals, all can ask for his intercession to achieve a physical performance or place a competition under his protection.
Blessed Benedict Daswa, Patron Saint of Athletics
Born on June 16, 1946 in South Africa, in the small village of Mbahe in the Limpopo province, Benedict Daswa is a teacher and catechist who is very involved with young people. He considers sport as a means of education. Through the practice of athletics and by coaching the local football team, he intends to keep young people away from delinquency. On two occasions, in the name of his Catholic faith, he opposed his village’s use of a sangoma, a “divine healer”. He was assassinated on February 2, 1990 and beatified on September 13, 2015 by Pope Francis.
Saint George of Lydda, patron saint of horsemen
Often depicted proudly riding a mount and slaying a dragon, Saint George was a soldier in Diocletian’s imperial army in the 4th century. Originally from Turkey, he was martyred in Lydda, now the city of Lod in Israel. Legend has it that he defeated a monstrous dragon. He is the ultimate archetype of the knight and is thus the patron saint of horsemen and soldiers.
Saint Michael, patron saint of fencers
The archangel is also the patron saint of fencers! In Christian iconography, Saint Michael is often presented as a soldier, armed with a sword, fighting a creature. Athletes can count on him to handle the blade correctly during their fights.
Daniel of Stylites, patron saint of gymnasts
Originally from Asia Minor, Daniel lived, like his spiritual master Simeon of Stylite, for more than thirty years at the top of a column. Every day he devoted himself to prayer and meditation. His ability to live thus perched in a cramped space recalls the finesse with which gymnasts maintain their balance.
