‘I am part of Jesus’s team – and for me, that’s a win in life’

And as she prepared to go for Gold this week, fellow Christians were asking Him to help her.

Debbie was baptised at Guiseley Baptist Church in 2001, and in the run-up to the London 2012 Games, her fellow church-goers have been praying for her.

Church minister the Reverend Ann Chesworth said the congregation had been hoping to see Debbie return with a medal.

“We have mentioned her during services and we have been praying for her,” the Rev Chesworth added. “When she comes back, I am hopefully going to get her to bring the torch.”

Debbie, whose parents still live in Guiseley, has maintained contact with the church where she was once a member of the youth group.

The rower’s family and friends were at the Olym-pics to see her compete this week, but the Rev Chesworth said she spoke to her mum, Bar, on the phone after the gripping race this week that qualified her for the final.

“Her mum was really excited,” she said. “It was very tense in terms of the actual race. I think it was quite an emotional race.

“We are all just pleased she made the final.”

The 32-year-old Olymp-ian, above, has spoken movingly of the import-ance of faith in her life.

Addressing a Christian youth conference in March this year, Debbie said: “On August 1, 2012, the past 15 years of life that I have dedicated to rowing are going to boil down to one six-minute race. One chance to achieve my dream of Olympic gold.”

She added: “God has given me the talents and abilities I have, and I want to use them and go on the journey He has placed me on.

“My rowing career may temporarily define me, but it will not shape who I am inside or change me in any way. Win or lose in rowing, I am part of Jesus’s team – and for me, that’s a win in life.”