SEMINOLE, Fla. — Asif Shaikh is part of Team USA. But you won’t see him in any highlights.  

What You Need To Know

  • Asif Shaikh helped American athletes perform their best in Paris by serving as Team USA’s Olympic chaplain

  • The Paris games were the fifth Olympics he has served in this role, sharing the Christian faith with some of the world’s greatest athletes

  • Shaikh helps athletes overcome anxiety before their event, and sometimes heartache after — especially with family members not allowed inside the Olympic village

His work is behind the scenes.

“Coming alongside them, encourage them. Anxiety is really high, especially when you’re dealing with high-level athletes that have the weight of their country on their shoulders, but they also have their brand, their sponsor. All of that just takes a toll,” Shaikh explained.

He’s an Olympic chaplain for Team USA.

The Paris games were the fifth Olympics he has served in this role, sharing the Christian faith with some of the world’s greatest athletes.

“What I try to help the athletes do is understand that God has a really amazing plan for their life, and that plan is different than maybe what they had or maybe what the world has for them,” he reflected.

We first connected with Shaikh four years ago, ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. Some of the athletes he was ministering then, like Grant Holloway, returned for the Paris games.

Holloway won a gold in the 110-meter hurdles.

“I wouldn’t say that it’s like a good luck charm or a rabbit’s foot type of thing, but it’s someone I’ve built a relationship with and I think that’s the key,” he said.

Shaikh helps athletes overcome anxiety before their event, and sometimes heartache after — especially with family members not allowed inside the Olympic village. 

“Here’s the thing. We have some athletes who have no family here, so someone like myself being able to be here in their corner is massive. This is huge,” Shaikh said.  

His duties depend on the situation and the athlete who seeks guidance. But developing relationships is at the core of his work. 

“I feel very honored to be in this role. I feel very honored to have these opportunities. To meet these parents, to work with my athletes, people who actually give me an open door to be with them,” Shaikh said.

You won’t see him on the podium, but this Seminole pastor continues to be an important part of Team USA.