Four sisters — two sets of fraternal twins – say running has strengthened both their bond and their Catholic faith after winning a girls’ 4x800-meter relay at an invitational meet in Andale, Kansas.
Seniors Sophia and Olivia Thome and freshmen Nora and Grace Thome captured the relay title for Bishop Carroll Catholic High School April 2 after years of training together.
According to the Diocese of Wichita, the sisters said distance running became a way to embrace sacrifice and live out their Catholic faith.
“We live in a really great country “under great circumstances with fewer natural opportunities for suffering,” Olivia said. “This is a way to unite myself to others’ suffering, and create opportunities to let God’s grace work in my life.”
The article also described how the sisters encourage one another during races. During one cross-country meet, Sophia, who made varsity when she was a freshman, struggled up a hill mid-race because of an iron deficiency until Olivia stepped in to help her finish.
“She grabbed me and we ran up the hill together,” Sophia said. “It was awesome.”
The girls’ father, Jarrod Thome, said the team’s Catholic culture helped shape the girls’ outlook on running. After races, runners often pray the Rosary together and offer their efforts for special intentions.
“They find meaning and joy in their suffering,” he said.
According to the article, Coach Cory Swords encourages runners to endure challenges together while pursuing “a goal like Heaven.”