The Olympics are drawing to a close, and the Paralympics are gearing up to begin.
Did you know that a man named Alma Richards was most likely the first member of the Church to win a gold medal at the Olympics?
It took a lot of work. When he started college, he didn’t expect to end up on the Olympic podium. He was taller and heavier than most jumpers and used a different position for clearing the bar. But his coach encouraged him to stick with it.
And good thing he did! Alma went on to compete in the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm, Sweden.
As Alma prepared for his jump on the day of competition, he prayed, “If it is right that I should win, I will do my best to set a good example all the days of my life.”
He had already started his journey of being a good example: Alma had kept the Word of Wisdom throughout his training, and one Olympic official was so impressed with Alma’s lifestyle that he said he wished more athletes were like him.
Alma’s example and victory helped people to understand the Church better. You can read more about his story here!