Eden Q&A with Iona Rossely about Racing On Empty

We chat with Iona Rossely about her brand new book that tells Iona's story of faith and speed skiing, Racing On Empty.

Hi Iona, I was wondering if you could tell us a little about yourself, and the story of how you came to write Racing on Empty?

I was born into a fairly strict Catholic family and sent away to convent school as a shy 11-year-old. I struggled with my identity, but when I realized I was good at most sports, I turned from a quiet, timid creature into a bit of a monster. I was nearly expelled on a couple of occasions, but money speaks louder than words! The convent rituals and traditions lead me to believe that God was not very personable, so I choose to walk away from anything that was remotely religious and became a ski instructor. This led me into the world of speed skiing. After a life threatening accident where I fell at 160kmp, I briefly had an encounter with Jesus. However when I (against doctors’ orders) went back into sports – this time as a member of the Irish equestrian team, I went out on my own once again. Having reached my goal of obtaining money, fame and everything I had ever dreamed off in skiing and horse racing, I realized I was still totally empty and lacking any purpose or hope. After trying many different roads such as tarot reading, Buddhism, crystal healing etc, God intervened and rescued me by taking away what was precious to me. It was by hitting rock bottom and falling into what seemed like a bottomless pit, my life was turned upside down and inside out in an instant. I now had freedom, hope and an understanding of the truth.

I have been blessed to share my story to many people; at churches, conferences and also on a one to one level. For several years people told me I should write a book and three years ago God put it on my heart that it was time to sit down and record everything under the Holy Spirit’s guidance. The last three years have taken me on a journey. The words I put on paper opened up many memories both good and bad, but through this process I have shed many tears, mostly over the amount of times God actively tried to redirect me back to him, but I kept doing my own thing.

Who was Racing On Empty written for?

It was written to all those who feel broken and lost and have nowhere to turn.

It was written for those who have everything but don’t understand why life seems shallow and meaningless.

It's written for sports men and women who win races/ competitions and wake up the next morning wondering why they still feel empty.

It is written for Christians who want to have a deeper relationship with Jesus

It's written for the rich and the poor who seek the truth– it’s for those who have everything and those that have nothing.

What was it that drew you to speed skiing?

“It went from a prank, to an adrenaline rush, to an obsession.”

It started when a group of skiing friends (ski instructors) played a prank on me – which backfired on them but was positive for me. My first speed skiing run gave me such an adrenaline rush I became obsessed with the sport. Even though I had competed in skiing before, speed skiing was not a discipline I was initially drawn to. I used to watch the world’s best speed skiers come down the flying kilometre track at 200kph plus and thought they were all mad. I couldn’t see the point of skiing in a straight line and the falls/ crashes were horrendous. But the adrenaline rush won me over and I was hooked.

The book talks a lot about winter sports, but they aren’t your only sports are they?

Since the age of three I’ve been obsessed with horses and so competed from a young age. I played netball for Wales whilst I was in school. I became a windsurfing instructor and taught water skiing. I competed in show jumping on a national level and then went on to represent Ireland in long distance endurance racing for several years in the World Equestrian Games and the World Championships.

What lessons has a life in sports brought to your faith?

It’s given me an attitude of self-discipline to study and learn the Bible. Sport has given me the ability to focus. It’s given me boldness and confidence not to fear anything. I learnt that we have a responsibility to have a sporting mind and a sporting body – so that we can run the race God has set in front of us. Sport has also shown me that what you put in is what you get out. But the biggest lesson was that through my sporting visualization and relaxation training, I was able to still my mind and sit in Jesus’ presence and thus switch off from the outside world. Some may call it mindfulness or meditation. These techniques have allowed me to hear God’s voice and become more open to dreams, visions and his guidance.

What’s your favourite Bible verse & why?

I have two…

2 Corinthians 3:17

“Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

There is nothing on this earth that can compare with being in God’s presence. When you’re in the presence of God you feel this overwhelming sense of peace and freedom.

Mathew 6.33

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all things will be added to you.”

When you keep your eyes focused totally on Jesus you will win your race. He will keep you from stumbling and guide you on a straight road. You need to stay focused on Him alone and everything else just seems to slot into place.

What books about sport and faith would you recommend?

Chariots of Fire

CT Studd

Through my Eyes by Tim Tebow

What’s next for you?

Outside of the speaking engagements, preaching and travel to help promote Racing on Empty, I have started to put together an outline for a second book centered on Christian mindfulness and the importance spending time in silence at the feet of Jesus and how to stay focused. I am basing this on my sporting meditation (awareness) and relaxation techniques, but it is deeply rooted in scriptural resources. So it’s how to connect with Jesus on a much deeper level in a world that needs to stop and take time to become aware of God.

I am also painting Bible related abstract paintings on a commission basis and I have just bought myself a kiln to start creating sculptors. Even with all this going on I feel like I am presently on hold. I know that just around the corner God has yet another adventure planned and even though I have no idea what it could be, I feel like he is molding and shaping me in preparation for what he has already planned.

Order Racing on Empty by Iona Rossely today!