Olympic athletes from around the world—including members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—have long participated in the Olympic Games, both summer and winter.
Through the Olympics, we see personal excellence, perseverance, and disciplined commitment put into action. Olympians model what it looks like to overcome obstacles, silence self-doubt, focus on what matters most, and pursue their full potential with purpose and integrity.
The first Church member to participate in the International Olympics Games was Alma Richards.
In the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden, Alma competed in the running high jump.
Before his final attempt, he stepped onto the infield grass, removed his hat, knelt in full view of a crowd of more than 24,000 spectators, and offered a simple prayer: “God, give me strength. And if it’s right that I should win, give me the strength to do my best to set a good example all the days of my life.”
After saying “Amen,” Richards replaced his hat, walked calmly to the runway, and cleared the bar at 6 feet, 4 inches—setting a new world record and earning the gold medal.
As the world looks ahead to the 2026 Winter Olympics, there are currently no publicly identified Latter-day Saint athletes confirmed to be competing. Even so, the legacy of Church members in the Olympic movement remains meaningful and instructive.
The following quotes come from past Olympians who are members of the Church, as well as a Church member who played a key leadership role in the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City.
Laura Berg, Gold Medal in Women’s Softball | 1996 Atlanta Olympics
“We go out and work hard. We play this game with emotion and love. Coach always says ‘Emotionally, physically, mentally—come to the field prepared.”
Peter Vidmar, Gold Medals in Gymnastics | 1984 Los Angeles Olympics
“In determined athletes, we can see the difference between knowing and doing. Those who really desire to reach their goals will do whatever they must do in order to achieve them… Let’s not just talk about what we want to be. Let’s not just dream about what we want to be. Let’s just do it, whatever it takes.”
Valerie Adams, Gold Medal in Track & Field for Shotput | 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics
Valerie Adams (left) presenting the medals for women’s shotput at the world championship in 2025. | Instagram“I think it is easy in life to get distracted (I know I do) and there are many reasons why we sometimes allow this to happen, but imagine what you would achieve if you chose to just focus on the most important thing right now and just did that.”
Breeja Larson, Gold Medal in Swimming for the 4 x 100-Meter Medley Relay | 2012 London Olympics
“If you can learn to be your own best friend and be kind to yourself and be patient with the progress, that’s where a lot of the success comes from. If you can give an honest effort every day and know you could have done more, then you can be happy with that progress.”
Fraser Bullock, President for the Salt Lake Organizing Committee | 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics
“Our theme was “Light the Fire Within,” suggesting to us all to strive harder, to reach higher to accomplish things we never thought possible. It also tied to the idea of inspiring others with that light kindled within each of us… As we continue our journey in life, let us follow some of these simple lessons. We will get knocked down—and many times unexpectedly—but when we do, let’s get up, and let’s get up quickly. Let’s rely on the Lord and use the opportunity to draw closer to Him and align our will more with His. Let us take His divine hand every step of the way throughout our lives to navigate the many challenging turns that await us. And let’s light the fire within to achieve more than we perhaps think possible. Let’s light the divine fire within each of us to realize the divine potential we each have.”
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This article was written by Reed Markham, 2002 Member of the International Olympic Committee News Service.
Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
