Gymnastics Champion Jonas Rushworth Credits Faith and Family for European Gold
A remarkable blend of athletic dedication and spiritual grounding propelled Great Britain’s Jonas Rushworth to a European gymnastics championship, a testament to the power of faith, family, and focused ambition. The 19-year-old gymnast’s journey, from an accidental head-kick in nursery school to standing atop the podium in Leipzig, Germany, on May 31, 2025, is a compelling story of perseverance and a deepening relationship with his beliefs.
Rushworth’s gymnastics career began unconventionally, sparked by an early childhood incident that revealed a surprising flexibility. “He was always hyperactive and weirdly flexible,” Rushworth explained, leading his parents to enroll him in gymnastics training. For the next 16 years, he dedicated himself to the sport, ultimately training for a spot on the Great Britain team.
The culmination of years of effort arrived at the 2025 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Leipzig, where Rushworth and his team secured the gold medal. This victory marked a significant milestone, establishing Rushworth as a European champion and signaling his potential on the world stage.
However, Rushworth’s success extends beyond physical prowess. In recent years, he has intentionally cultivated a stronger connection to his faith, following the example set by his parents. “Actively trying to find a relationship with Christ while working hard at a goal that I can only achieve with Him is how I know I’ve been blessed with this talent and ability from my Heavenly Father,” he shared.
A Family Foundation in Faith
Rushworth’s father, Daniel, was raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, while his mother, Venessa, joined the faith as a young adult. Shortly after her baptism, she served a mission for the Church in London, where she met Daniel. This shared foundation of faith has been central to the Rushworth family dynamic.
“Something that stood out is the priesthood in my life,” Rushworth noted, reflecting on his upbringing. “Having priesthood blessings answered and having a strong priesthood holder in the house has been a big part.” He also emphasized the importance of answered family prayers in strengthening his faith and fostering trust in a divine plan. “My parents have helped with that,” he added.
Balancing Athletics and Spirituality
When Rushworth committed to a professional gymnastics career, his family provided unwavering support, sacrificing both time and resources to facilitate his training. Alongside his athletic pursuits, Rushworth made a conscious effort to deepen his understanding of his faith. He prioritized attending church services, engaging in daily prayer, participating in institute programs, and diligently studying the scriptures, striving to make his two hours of church time truly “count.”
This commitment did not go unnoticed. Rushworth observed that his teammates and coaches began to inquire about his beliefs, prompting him to articulate his testimony. “I didn’t have the answers straight away, and that bothered me,” he admitted. “It pushed me to grow a testimony.”
One particularly impactful moment occurred when a teammate shared his favorite scripture, Philippians 4:13. Rushworth responded by sharing a similar passage from the Book of Mormon, Ether 12:27, highlighting the shared message of strength in weakness. “Yeah, how sick is that? Weak things will become strong,” his teammate remarked, recognizing the resonance between the two scriptures. Rushworth’s travels with the Great Britain team have also provided opportunities to interact with missionaries and share his beliefs with fellow gymnasts.
Looking Ahead: Temples, Missions, and the Olympic Stage
Rushworth’s commitment to spiritual growth extends beyond personal enrichment. He has set goals to learn more about temples and explore the possibility of serving a full-time mission. He also envisions using his platform as an athlete to share his faith with a wider audience.
“I hope to also just spread the gospel as much as I can through gymnastics,” Rushworth stated with conviction. “You never know. I could be on the Olympic stage with a Book of Mormon in my hand.” His story serves as an inspiring example of how faith, family, and dedication can converge to achieve remarkable success, both in sport and in life.
