Q: Which Olympian was saved at Billy Graham’s 1949 Los Angeles Crusade?
A: Louis Zamperini
Hailing from Torrance, California, Louis Zamperini became the youngest distance runner to ever make the Olympic team.
At the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, the 19-year-old demonstrated a strong showing in the 5,000-meter race. Finishing eighth, Zamperini clocked one of the fastest final laps in the event’s history.
Dubbed the “Torrance Tornado,” he was considered a favorite for the 1940 Olympics, which was cancelled due to World War II.
While serving in the war, Zamperini survived a plane crash, 47 days lost at sea, and being tortured in a Japanese POW camp. Though he returned home a hero, his experiences had taken their toll.
Recurring nightmares and depression led to heavy drinking, causing problems with his young bride. With his marriage in shambles, Zamperini agreed to attend Billy Graham’s 1949 Los Angeles Crusade.
>> Watch a 30-minute special about Louis Zamperini
Billy Graham recalls Zamperini’s story in his autobiography, Just As I Am.
“Although he was a famous athlete and war hero, he came home feeling unhappy, disillusioned, and broken in spirit,” the evangelist wrote. “One night he wandered into our tent in Los Angeles with his wife.”
The first night, Zamperini stormed out of the tent, but amazingly, returned for a second night. This time, the Bible verses Billy Graham quoted pierced Zamperini’s heart.
“Of all my near-death experiences my life never passed before my eyes,” the soldier recalled. “But when Billy Graham quoted Scripture my life did pass before my eyes.”
For the first time in years, Zamperini remembered the promise he made to God while floating in the south Pacific: “God, if I survive this ordeal and get back to America alive, I’ll seek You and serve You,” he prayed.
That night, Zamperini went forward and accepted Christ, setting in motion the biggest miracle of his life.
The Olympian and war hero went on to share his testimony and faith around the world, speaking at several Billy Graham Crusades. He cultivated a friendship with Billy Graham that lasted until Zamperini’s death on July 2, 2014.
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