Tyler Stephens - Founding Greatness
LOCATION: GAINESVILLE, GA POSTED: 8/4/25
IN A SPACE AS FULL AS RUNNING, IT'S HARD TO STAND OUT
Starting a sport with no prior experience is scary. This was especially evident to a 14 year old Tyler Stephens who had no idea what he was getting himself into. Growing through what it means to be an athlete has reshaped him; becoming a staple and beginning of his testimony. Throughout the years, there's one thing he's learned to do; and that's inspire.
GROWING PAINS
In the beginnings of his athletic career, Tyler fell far behind many of his teammates and competitors alike. He had repeated last place performances, as well as confidence issues; both socially and athletically. Never before being an athlete, the entire world of physical training was a brand new concept to him. Practice ended with pain, and races with double that. However, something kindled within him whenever he stepped onto that track, and it came from the people, not just the sport. Track gave an opportunity for Tyler to find an identity in the world where he felt lost; it gave him and many others around him a way to grow and work to better themselves.
GROWING INTO PLACE
With a newfound sense or purpose and direction, athletics became an outlet of love for Tyler, a place where he could do something productive and grow as a person. He decided to continue, with incoming influences of bodybuilding, marathon running, powerlifting, and many more. He repeatedly saw documentaries of ultra-marathons; heavily influenced by a human pushing themselves to the absolute limit, even further influenced by his, at the time, state champion teammates. He may have not been the fastest, but he was a big believer in hard work beats talent; and when he set his mind to something, he was committed. Or as he puts it, faithful to his goal.
GROWING INTO FAITH
One day, after being invited by a teammate of his, he decided to attend a service at their local church. Tyler had an awkward first experience, but was overwhelmed with the kindness he experienced at the church, the Holy Spirit speaking through them to him. He decided to come back and try to make this a regular thing. But his heart was utterly transformed by Christ and his sacrifice. He immediately at first chance became an FCA leader at his school, as well as attending every church service offered.
