Tracking with Ben Davies

A record-setting high school track athlete, Ben Davies was diligently training as a member of the University of Georgia track team for the 2010 season in his two events: the decathlon and the javelin.

This was going to be his year.

His season, however, ended before it even began. Surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder cost him a chance to compete … and left him questioning the cruel twist of fate.

“When I found out I would miss the season, I was frustrated. I asked God, ‘What am I supposed to do?’” Ben says. “That’s when I got a call from my agent asking if I had time to go to an audition. I was thinking, ‘I have six months.’”

So an injury that left him on the sideline of SEC tracks put him on track for a career as an actor. From Athens, Ben traveled to Albany to audition with his arm still in a sling.

Three weeks later, he learned he would be playing the role of David Thomson, the youngest of the five main characters. This is his first feature-film role.

“I feel like I can really relate to David. He was an athlete in college and so am I,” Ben says. “I’ve known a lot of guys in college like David.”

A Nashville-area native, Ben’s acting background has been in music videos and commercials. He’s also appeared in print ads and training videos.

“My family is thrilled. They’re really excited,” Ben says. “Being part of this movie is nice. But to be around other brothers and sisters in Christ has been amazing.”

When filming concludes, Ben will head back to UGa looking to reestablish his athletic career. But even if his shoulder never heals properly, he’s learned to trust God.

“In your weakness, He is strong. When I look back, I feel so foolish for being frustrated with my injury,” Ben says. “I know His plan is better than any plan I can make for myself.”