LDS Olympians Share Behind-the Scenes Look at Rio Olympics

The 2016 Summer Olympics are underway in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and multiple members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are participating in behalf of multiple countries. We’ve gathered some of their best posts from social media to get you some fun insights into the games.

One of the special moments from last night! Team USA united as one!

A video posted by Taylor Sander (@taylorsander15) on Aug 6, 2016 at 8:01am PDT

Taylor Sander, former BYU student, is from the United States and is competing in Rio as part of the Men’s National Volleyball team. This is a fun video he shared before the United States walked out during the Parade of Nations in the Opening Ceremony.

Caption this ??? #LastLeg #SaoPaoloStopOver #struggleisreal ??✈️????

A photo posted by Valerie Adams (@valerieadams84) on Aug 8, 2016 at 3:11am PDT

Valerie Adams represents New Zealand in shot put. Adams has won two other gold medals and this is her fourth Olympic appearance. This photo shows her on the airplane heading to Rio.

I wish I could take these guys with me… The media and hype at the terminal in Houston is wild. I feel like I’m going into a new world and I’m going to miss my companion, but I’m excited to compete. Much love to all those at home that have been vital support through my whole life. #roadtorio

A photo posted by Jared Ward (@jwardy21) on Aug 3, 2016 at 5:44pm PDT

This fun departure series was posted by Jared Ward of the United States. Ward will be running in the men’s marathon on August 21.

TokoBoso! KapaPuluSquad holdin it down! #USA?? #rio2016 #OlympicCeremony

A photo posted by Kisi Keomaka Unufe (@makaunufe) on Aug 6, 2016 at 8:39am PDT

Maka Unufe, far left, will be representing the United States in rugby. Unufe formerly played football and rugby at Provo High School in Provo, Utah.

Went to church today. #christtheredeemer #olympics

A photo posted by John Nunn (@johnnunn78) on Aug 7, 2016 at 8:12pm PDT

Christ the Redeemer is a beloved landmark in Brazil. John Nunn had to visit! Nunn served an LDS mission in Las Vegs, a Staff-Sergeant in the U.S. Army, and will be competing for the United States in race walking.

Good morning from the Olympic village! So honored and privileged to be here! What a beautiful village it is!! Work to do today, let the preparation begin, to be ready for the team to arrive in a few days! @jillywilly_24 have fun at the Cabin!

A photo posted by Dustin Williams (@trainer911) on Jul 31, 2016 at 5:49am PDT

This view from the Olympic Village where the athletes stay is provided by LDS member and the U.S. track and field team’s head athletic trainer Dustin Williams.

My nail game is almost as strong as me. Looking forward to getting my Olympic ring!

A photo posted by Sarah Robles (@roblympian) on Aug 8, 2016 at 1:43pm PDT

Sarah Robles of the United States is hoping to win her first Olympic medal in weightlifting. She will be participating in the 75+ kilogram division in Rio.

Totally Fan girling today when we got to watch Team USA Basketball practice in rio! And of course getting a pic with them especially KD❤️ Good luck tomorrow boys??

A photo posted by MyKayla Skinner (@mykaylaskinner2016) on Aug 5, 2016 at 2:09pm PDT

Mykayla Skinner, an alternate on the United States Women’s Gymnastics team, posted these fun photos with some of the players on the men’s USA basketball team.

#Rio2016 #Paralympics 2016 blog: @smyth_jason reflects on countdown to Rio https://t.co/gYqhIwlzLm @AllianzIreland pic.twitter.com/ao0uTKv7Vk

— Irish Examiner Sport (@ExaminerSport) August 2, 2016

Jason Smyth, who will be competing for Ireland in the Paralympics, shared his thoughts as he prepares to head to Rio.

Aleah Ingram

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.