Faith in Jesus changed the course of Australian swimmer Daniel Smith's life

After winning numerous titles at the Australian Junior Championships roughly a decade ago, swimmer Daniel Smith found himself in a drunk-driving accident. Driven by shame, guilt and embarrassment, the teenager turned to drugs and even more alcohol. At the time when he was about to bow out of life's race due to health issues, he rediscovered his faith and found himself on a new course towards the Rio Olympics.

"I'm a Christian," the 25-year-old Smith said in an interview with Passion for Sport. "I do believe because I've literally had more lives now than a cat. I've been through literally hell and back. God's hand has just been upon my life the whole time. I can't deny it anymore," he added.

Smith's Olympic dream started at the age of five, swimming in success at an early age. Dealing with the limelight proved more than he could handle while he was a popular teenager. He turned to drinking and the driving accident made him lose further control of his life.

"All that kind of stuff that the world throws at you, I thought that was the answer to life. I'm up there with the top best athletes in Australia ... I was fast and I was starting to swim well but my personal life just got the best of me," Smith said in the interview.

He eventually got addicted to crystal meth known and funded his habit by committing crimes. Getting kicked out of his house, seeing his family hurt by what's happening to him and discovering his health issues almost drove Smith to commit suicide. It was at the lowest point in his life that Smith checked into rehab and rediscovered his faith.

"I've always pushed the boundaries and stuff but I'm a complete new person now and that's what the Lord's done in my life. He's made me a new person and I'm extremely grateful to him for what he's done in me," Smith shared.

Despite the disappointing outcome of his 4x200-meter freestyle relay, Smith said in a video for the Rio Olympics that he was very grateful for all that God has done in his life and he is excited for the future ahead.

His life was in turmoil, according to Smith, but God has filled the void in his life. Smith said that he has now found peace in God.