Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8 (NKJV)
Athletes are gifted people. They don’t work for that gift but it was freely given them from their mother’s womb. Now when they work on that gift by exercising and using it the best way possible for the good of others it’s recognized as victory and honor so they’re celebrated and crowned for it.Likewise we have received Righteousness as a free gift from God. Romans 5:17.This is the gift of being made right with God. Romans 3:22,28(NLT)
As we grow in the knowledge of this gift, exercising it, and so helping many others to be made right with God, the Lord rewards us at the end with the crown of Righteousness which is the joy, honor, satisfaction, and influence of participating with God in promoting and establishing His kingdom on earth.