Along with being excited about the location of the Olympics, Seo and Davis are also pleased about the debut of LDS Church’s Helping Hands Center. The Center opened January 27th and will remain open until March 25th. According to Daniel Woodruff at LDS Public Affairs, “They have already welcomed over 100 visitors to the center, and look forward to continuing to do so throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Games” (http://www.ldsliving.com/Church-Prepares-for-Olympic-Visitors-in-South-Korea-with-Helping-Hands-Center/s/87675). It is located near PyeongChang in Gangneung, South Korea (http://universe.byu.edu/2018/02/06/south-korea-hosts-first-winter-olympics-in-pyeongchang/).

Seo believes the location of the Helping Hands Center is ideal since PyeongChang is very rural, and there aren’t many tourist attractions (Seo). She is hopeful tourists and Olympians will be able to rest and learn more about the Church at the Center.

Mormon Newsroom reveals the Center includes “interpretation services in nine languages, a winter sports photo zone, DIY activities for families, free Wi-Fi, and a place to warm up, enjoy warm beverages, recharge cell phones, watch live Olympic broadcasts and even explore one’s family history” (https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/mormon-helping-hands-pyeongchang-winter-olympics?__prclt=wonnECQ4). Clearly, Olympians and tourists alike can find refuge, fun, and spiritual growth at the Helping Hands Center.

Although the center is new, Helping Hands laid roots in South Korea over a decade ago. Helping Hands is an organization sponsored by the Church.  (https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/humanitarian-aid-welfare-services-breakdown-donations-costs-resources?filter=leadership?filter=leadership) They offer international relief and aid during times of crisis.  

Most recently, Helping Hands aided South Korea after the 5.4 magnitude earthquake hit November 16, 2017. According to Mormon Newsroom, “Volunteers and Church Humanitarian Services delivered oranges and apples to those in need, transported supplies and worked on various local projects.” In 2007, Helping Hands contributed hundreds of volunteers to the 7,000-person effort and aided in cleaning a devastating oil spill. (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/10/world/asia/10skorea.html  and https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/humanitarian-aid-welfare-services-breakdown-donations-costs-resources?filter=leadership?filter=leadership)

Many members of the LDS Church hope that the Helping Hands Center will propel missionary work in South Korea. At first, Seo expressed some concern about the Center being opened because, in general, people in Korea are wary about religion. However, she believes that the center will help people see that the Church wants to serve and help people, rather than exploit them financially (Seo). Gabe Smith, also a returned missionary of the Korea Seoul mission, expounds on Seo’s concern. He says:

I hope people will see the church truly stand out among other churches in Korea. Churches overall have a bad reputation, as many church officials turn religion into a business and take large sums of money from members. The building will show what our church truly cares about: the temporal, physical and spiritual welfare of all God’s children on earth. I hope this opens doors that missionaries couldn’t get into in the past because of this negative view of Christianity in Korea.

Davis, Seo, and Smith all agree that the Helping Hands Center can have an impact on how the LDS Church is viewed in South Korea in the future. It may be long after the games before we see a paradigm shift. However, it is clear the LDS Church is making a great effort to offer service and to dispel misconceptions.

Photo: Mormon Newsroom

Jason Smyth Wins Gold for Fifth Olympic Medal

Winning his third gold medal in the 100m T13 division sprint and fifth gold overall, Jason Symth, 29, defended his Olympic title from the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and the 2012 London Paralympics. Although he suffers from Stargardt disease and is considered legally blind, he never backed down from going for the gold.

In Beijing and London, Smyth also won a gold in the 200m sprint, which was not included in the Rio Games. He ran the the 100m race in 10.64 seconds, beating out Namibia’s Johannes Nambala for gold. Smyth is a member of the Belfast Northern Ireland Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Jason Smyth won his fifth Olympic gold in Rio (via irishpost.co.uk).

Another Mormon competed in the 100m T13 sprint. Tyson Gunter from Pocatello, Idaho, came in seventh in the 100m T13 finals.

David Blair Wins Gold Medal, Sets World Record in Discus

David Blair, 40, who is from Eagle Mountain, Utah, won the gold medal and set a world record in the discus F43/F44 division with a 64.11m throw. Blair graduated from Weber State University.

David Blair poses next to his world record discus throw (via teamusa.org).

Josh Wheeler Wins Silver Medal in Wheelchair Rugby

Josh Wheeler, 36, won the silver medal with Team USA in wheelchair rugby after beating Australia. After a motorcycle accident broke his neck, Wheeler lost function of his lower body. However, he discovered a sport he loved a few years after his accident: wheelchair rugby. He is a member of the San Tan Valley Arizona Stake.

Josh Wheeler (left) fights for the ball in wheelchair rugby against Canada (via teamusa.org).

Todd Hodgetts Wins Bronze Medal in Shot Put

Competing in the F20 division for shot put, Todd Hodgetts won bronze with a 15.82-meter throw. Hodgetts, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at age 8, won the gold medal in the 2012 London Paralympics. The defending champion competes for Australia.

Todd Hodgetts won the bronze medal in shot put, following his gold medal in 2012 (via alchetron.com).

Other Mormon Paralympians

Margarita Foundez competed in the 1,500m T12/13 race for Chile. She came in third in her preliminary race, just missing the finals.

Brickell Bro finished seventh overall in the 400m freestyle swim in the S8 division. Bro also finished sixth in her preliminary heat of the 100m butterfly, and competed in the 50m and 100m freestyle.

Ann Yoshida from Hawaii finished fifth in her prelimary heat for the KL1 division paracanoe, and did not advance to the finals.

Julieta Olmedo, 26, competed on the Argentine wheelchair basketball team. After losing two preliminary games, they won against Brazil before losing to Great Britain. They finished ninth overall in the tournament.

Eric Bennett, 42, finished eighth overall in his individual recurve archery competition, after finishing fourth in the 2016 London Paralympics.

The Rio 2016 Paralympics will continue competition until the closing ceremonies on Sunday, September 18, 2016.

Read more from the original Deseret News article (and an updated article on Deseret News).

Sami Hill: Gold Medal in Women’s Water Polo, USA

Sami Hill, who is a 24-year-old UCLA graduate, is one of the U.S. women’s water polo goalies. After beating Hungary, China, and Spain, Team USA beat Brazil in the quarterfinals (13-3) and Hungary again (14-10) in the semifinals.

With only one game between them and the gold medal, the U.S. women’s water polo team competed against Italy in the finals on Friday, August 19. With a decisive victory (12-5), Sami Hill and Team USA won the gold medal. For the first time in Olympic water polo history, the U.S. won back-to-back gold medals from London in 2012 and Rio in 2016.

Sami Hill (bottom row, third from right) and the rest of the women’s water polo team place their gold medals around their coach’s neck (via usatoday.com).

Taylor Sander: Men’s Volleyball, USA

After a disappointing loss to Italy in the semifinals, Taylor Sander and Team USA competed in a bronze medal showdown with Russia for the bronze in men’s volleyball. The U.S. men’s volleyball team lost to Italy (3-1) in a preliminary match, and continued on to defeat Brazil, France, Mexico, and Poland to make it to the semifinals against Italy. Following five sets of intense competition, Team USA failed to beat Italy once again, and competed in the finals Sunday, August 21, to fight for bronze.

In another nail-biting match, Team USA pulled ahead in the fifth set to beat Italy (3-2) for the bronze medal. In the gold medal match, Italy lost to host country Brazil to win silver.

Team USA celebrates after a point in the bronze medal match against Italy. Taylor Sander (far right) helped the men’s volleyball team win the bronze medal.

Other Mormon Olympian Updates

Bruna Soares: Women’s Soccer/Football, Brazil

Bruna Soares, who plays women’s soccer for Brazil, faced defeat against Canada in the bronze medal match. After a series of ties in the preliminaries matches, Brazil failed to qualify for the gold medal match against Germany when they tied Sweden (0-0) in the semifinals and lost in a penalty shootout. However, they had a chance for the bronze medal against Canada.

On Friday, August 19, Brazil fought against Canada for the bronze medal, but ultimately came up short and lost (2-1) to place fourth in the tournament. While the Brazilian women’s soccer team faced disappointment in the finals, Brazil’s men’s soccer won gold against Germany in their home country.

After a disappointing loss, Brazilian soccer player Bruna Soares comforts her teammate (via thestar.com).

John Nunn: 50km Race Walk, USA

After two weeks of training in Rio, race walker John Nunn competed in the men’s 50km walk on Friday, August 19. He completed the race in 43rd place with a time of 4:16:12, not even a minute after gold medalist Matej Tóth from Slovakia. Nunn enjoyed his time in Rio, documenting his travels and adventures on Twitter.

John Nunn competed in the 50km race walk (via teamusa.org).

Jared Ward: Men’s Marathon, USA

Like John Nunn, marathon runner Jared Ward trained for two weeks in Rio prior to his event. On the last morning of the Rio 2016 Olympics, Ward ran a marathon course through Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to finish in 6th place with a personal record of 2:11:30. He and the other marathon runners battled through rain, heat, and 90 percent humidity to finish the race in just over two hours.

Ward, who was roommates with Jared Nunn in the Olympic Village, also shared his experiences in Rio on social media.

Jared Ward (USA jersey, middle right) competes in the men’s marathon through the rain, heat, and humidity of RIo.

Starting on September 7, the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games will feature other LDS athletes. Find more information about LDS Paralympians on LDS.net.

Taylor Sander: Men’s Volleyball, USA

When he’s not being made fun of for his mustache, Taylor Sander is a powerhouse on the U.S. men’s volleyball team. After a rocky start losing against Canada and Italy, Sander fought against his nerves to become an integral part of Team USA. “We feel good,” he said. “We’re more confident.”

“Well, we know what not to do,” Sander commented. “That experience of losing those first two matches helped us to grow.”

Looking better than ever, the U.S. men’s volleyball team will compete in the semifinals on Friday, August 19, at 10:00 a.m. (MT). If they win their semifinal match against Italy on Friday, the gold medal match will take place on Sunday, August 21, at 10:15 a.m. (MT).

Thanks for all the support! Heading to hang out with our families! Thanks @Uber @MChristenson5 @Kshoji7 @shojinator pic.twitter.com/SBclULnLBb

— Taylor Sander (@TaylorSander15) August 15, 2016

Sami Hill: Women’s Water Polo: USA

Sami Hill, a 24-year-old UCLA graduate, is a goalie for the U.S. women’s water polo team and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After decisively beating Hungary, China, and Spain, Team USA beat Brazil in the quarterfinals 13-3. On Wednesday, August 17, they beat Hungary 14-10 in the semifinals.

Only one game away from the gold medal, the U.S. women’s water polo team will compete in the finals on Friday, August 19, at 12:30 p.m. (MT). Whether they win or lose the final game, their final match against Italy will determine whether they win silver or gold.

https://twitter.com/samihillusa/status/766028252838100992

Bruna Soares: Women’s Soccer/Football, Brazil

Brazilian soccer player Bruna Soares competed with the women’s soccer team to beat Sweden and China in the preliminaries. After tying South Africa (0-0) in the preliminary pool, Brazil also tied Australia in the quarterfinals (0-0) and Sweden in the semifinals (0-0).

On Friday, August 19, at 10 a.m. (MT), Brazil will battle against Canada in the finals for the bronze medal.

Bruna Soares, a Brazilian soccer player, holds up a Book of Mormon (via osmormons.com).

Leilani Mitchell: Women’s Basketball, Australia

After a solid preliminary pool, Leilani Mitchell and the Australian women’s basketball team are at the top of their bracket. Winning against Belarus (74-66), Japan (92-86), France (89-71), and Turkey (61-56), Australia competed against Serbia in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, August 16. However, after losing to Serbia (73-71), the Australian women’s basketball team was eliminated from the competition bracket.

Leilani Mitchell plays basketball for Australia in the Rio 2016 Olympics (Charlie Neibergall, Associated Press).

Other Mormon Olympian Tweets

After winning silver, New Zealand shot putter Valerie Adams tweeted her farewell to Rio.

https://twitter.com/ValerieAdams84/status/765909924195012608

Bronze medalist Sarah Robles, who competed for Team USA in weightlifting, shares hilarious photos on her Instagram.

In case you missed it, I was a last minute addition to the #usatf team. Bolt wasn't too happy about it. #superfastsarah

A photo posted by Sarah Robles (@roblympian) on Aug 16, 2016 at 6:43pm PDT

Two LDS Olympians are yet to compete: John Nunn will compete in the men’s 50km walk on Friday, August 19, at 5:00 a.m. (MT), and Jared Ward will run the men’s marathon on the last day of the Rio 2016 Olympics, Sunday, August 21, at 6:30 a.m. (MT).

After the first week of competition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Mormon Olympians are competing all across the board. From medals to qualifying races, and from volleyball to shot put, here are where Mormon Olympians stand after week one of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Medals for Mormon Olympians

Valerie Adams: Silver Medal in Shot Put, New Zealand

Silver medalist Valerie Adams congratulates gold medal winner, Michelle Carter (Matt Dunham, Associated Press).

As the two-time reigning champion of Olympic shot put, Valerie Adams hoped to win her third gold medal in Rio. However, after an upset by U.S. shot putter Michelle Carter, Adams came in second to win the silver medal.

“It’s tough, but it’s sport,” Adams said in an interview with Deseret News. “It’s been a very tough road for me to even be here. And for me to make it here and make it to the final and get a medal is, um, pretty awesome. I’m going to try to enjoy the moment.”

Ashley Steacy: Bronze Medal in Rugby Sevens, Canada

Ashley Steacy (bottom row, third from right) poses with women’s rugby sevens team from Canada after winning bronze.

Ashey Steacy, of Lethbridge, Alberta, was on the women’s rugby sevens team for Canada. After beating Japan and Brazil, the Canadian rugby team lost to Great Britain before the quarterfinals. With a win against France, they reached the semifinals on August 8, where they lost to Australia. No longer able to qualify for gold or silver, the team beat Great Britain 33-10 for the bronze medal.

Sarah Robles: Bronze Medal in Weightlifting, USA

Sarah Robles joyfully accepts the bronze medal for women’s weightlifting (via deseretnews.com).

Legendary weightlifter Sarah Robles won bronze at her second Olympic Games in the women’s over 75kg weightlifting competition. In her London 2012 Olympic debut, she placed seventh overall. After winning bronze in Rio, she is now the first U.S. weightlifting champion to win a medal for the United States in 16 years.

Faith plays a part in her competition. Robles said, “I had a moment with my coach. We were reading scriptures together, and . . . it talked about using your faith as a foundation and using singing and dancing as a way to praise. And I’ve tried to view the platform as my spiritual foundation, and my lifts as singing and dancing and praising. I try to keep it in the right perspective and use my body to glorify my God.”

Robles competed on Sunday, August 14, in the women’s over 75kg weightlifting division.

Mormon Olympians Currently Competing

Taylor Sander: Men’s Volleyball, USA

Taylor Sander helps U.S. men’s volleyball team defeat Brazil (via deseretnews.com).

After an upsetting loss to Canada and Italy, Taylor Sander helped the U.S. men’s volleyball team make a come back in the preliminaries to defeat Brazil and France, putting themselves back in the running. Their next competition is another preliminary match against Mexico scheduled for Monday, August 15, at 8:35 a.m. (MT).

Sami Hill: Women’s Water Polo: USA

Sami Hill is a goalie for the U.S. women’s water polo team (via swimmingworldmagazine.com).

Sami Hill, a 24-year-old UCLA graduate, competes in the Rio 2016 Olympics as a water polo goalie for the U.S. women’s team. After decisively beating Hungary, China, and Spain, Team USA will face Brazil on Monday, August 15, at 3:20 p.m. (MT). The finals for women’s water polo will take place on Friday, August 19.

Bruna Beatriz Benites Soares: Women’s Soccer/Football, Brazil

Bruna Soares plays for the Brazilian soccer/football team.

The Brazilian soccer player, Bruna Soares, competed with the women’s soccer team to beat Sweden and China in the preliminaries. After tying South Africa (0-0) in the preliminary pool, Brazil also tied Australia in the quarterfinals (0-0).

On Tuesday, August 16, at 10 a.m. (MT), Brazil will face Sweden in the semifinals.

Leilani Mitchell: Women’s Basketball, Australia

Leilani Mitchell plays basketball for the Australian women’s basketball team (via abc.net.au).

After a solid preliminary pool, Leilani Mitchell and the Australian women’s basketball team are at the top of their bracket. Winning against Belarus (74-66), Japan (92-86), France (89-71), and Turkey (61-56), Australia will compete in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, August 16, at 7:15 p.m. (MT).

Completed Events for Mormon Olympians

Maka Unufe: 9th Place in Rugby Sevens: USA

Maka Unufe gets tackled in a rugby game against Brazil (via newsday.com).

With rugby events returning to the Olympics for the first time since 1924, Maka Unufe, a 24-year-old from Provo, Utah, was part of the U.S. rugby sevens team. In the preliminaries, the U.S. Rugby team lost to Argentina and Fiji, while beating Brazil in the semifinals. They beat Spain 24-12 to place ninth overall. 

Lucía Palermo: Single Sculls Rowing: Argentina

Lucia Palermo is a single sculls rower for Argentina.

Lucía Palermo, an Argentine sculls rower, competed in qualifying races throughout week one of the Olympics. Ranking third in her semifinal heat, Palermo was able to finish in seventeenth place overall on Saturday, August 13.

Jake Gibb and Casey Patterson: Men’s Beach Volleyball, USA

Jake Gibb (left) and Casey Patterson (right) celebrate after a victory against Quatar (via latimes.com).

Although men’s beach volleyball players Jake Gibb and Casey Patterson fought well in their early preliminary game against Quatar, they were defeated by Austria and Spain in an unlucky turn of events on August 10, losing their chance to compete for the gold. “We fought,” Gibb said. “That’s what we do. That’s what this team does. That’s what we’ve done for four years together. We fight. And we gave it everything we have.”

While Gibb and Patterson are done competing in Rio, the remaining men’s beach volleyball teams will compete for gold on Thursday, August 18.

Patricia Taea: Women’s 100m Race, Cook Islands

Patricia Taea (second from left) competed in the 100m sprint for Cook Islands (Getty Images).

After qualifying in the second heat of the preliminary races, Patricia Taea was the second finisher in her heat. In the first round of qualifiers, Taea didn’t qualify, and she finished in 61st place. This was her second Olympic Games, following the London 2012 Olympics.

Lydia Casey Jele: Women’s 40m Race, Botswana

Lydia Jele ran the 400m race for Botswana.

Ranking 24th in the first round of qualifying races, Lydia Casey Jele from Botswana didn’t qualify for further rounds of racing. She ran the 400m race with a time of 52.42 seconds on Saturday, August 13.

Mormon Olympians Yet to Compete

John Nunn: Race Walking, USA

#TeamMeeting #athletesvillage #athletics #usatf pic.twitter.com/yrzWvoOFVc

— John Nunn (@johnnywalker04) August 11, 2016

Mormon Olympian John Nunn, 38, will compete in his third Olympics. After finishing 26th overall in the Athens 2004 Olympics and 42nd overall in the London 2012 Olympics, Nunn will participate in the men’s 50km walk.

Nunn will compete in the race walking event on Friday, August 19, at 5:00 a.m. (MT).

Jared Ward: Men’s Marathon, USA

I'm excited for this tonight…

A photo posted by Jared Ward (@jwardy21) on Aug 12, 2016 at 5:40pm PDT

Adjunct BYU statistics professor Jared Ward, 27, has been enjoying his time in Rio. Roommates with fellow Latter-day Saint John Nunn, Ward has enjoyed supporting other sports, including swimming, volleyball, and fencing.

Ward will run the men’s marathon on the last day of the Rio 2016 Olympics, Sunday, August 21, at 6:30 a.m. (MT).

While many LDS Olympians have started to compete in their events, many other LDS Olympians are currently in Rio training for their events next week, checking out other sports, and taking selfies with famous athletes. Luckily for viewers, these LDS Olympians are sharing a behind-the-scenes peek of what it’s like to train and live in Rio’s Olympic Village.

Taking Selfies with Other Athletes

https://twitter.com/MSkinner2016/status/761597692346822656

As an alternate for the U.S. gymnastics team, MyKayla Skinner found time to take selfies with the U.S. basketball team.

https://twitter.com/caseypatt/status/763123039701569541

Casey Patterson and Jake Gibb, who have started competing in qualifying rounds for men’s beach volleyball, take time to visit other athletes and watch other sports in their spare time.

Posing with the Team

https://www.instagram.com/p/BItX-gNgAyB/?taken-by=makaunufe

U.S. rugby player, Maka Unufe (right bottom), shared a picture of his rugby team.

Unforgettable night #Openingceremony #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/kHAb9jKkhU

— Micah Christenson (@MChristenson5) August 6, 2016

Taylor Sander (back row, second from right) shared a picture of the U.S. men’s volleyball team at the Opening Ceremonies in preparation for their second qualifying round game against Italy on Tuesday.

Supporting Other Sports

https://twitter.com/caseypatt/status/763080935155732480

Casey Patterson, U.S. men’s beach volleyball player, watched indoor volleyball and supported fellow LDS Olympian, Taylor Sander, in the match against Italy.

This is the craziest sport I have ever seen live!!! #Rio2016 #tabletennis pic.twitter.com/2OHzUxarUN

— John Nunn (@johnnywalker04) August 10, 2016

Race walker John Nunn, who competes for the U.S. next week, spends his spare time watching table tennis, women’s rugby, and women’s gymnastics.

Hanging at Women's Rugby medal matches w @jwardy21 #Rio2016 #OlympiansWatchinOlympians pic.twitter.com/lR3nUEaJGP

— John Nunn (@johnnywalker04) August 8, 2016

Roommates Jared Ward and John Nunn will both compete next week in Rio.

Training Facilities

The facilities are not short on televisions. Olympics 24/7 here

A photo posted by Sarah Robles (@roblympian) on Aug 9, 2016 at 12:36pm PDT

Weightlifter Sarah Robles shares a picture of the training facilities, which include televisions to watch other Olympic events.

What’s for Dinner?

Olympic update for @Lesdoggg – today after training we had ribs and chicken. Yo, u gotta get down here! #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/kqTvlwPSEn

— John Nunn (@johnnywalker04) August 9, 2016

John Nunn also shared a picture of the rib and chicken dinner at the Rio Olympic Village.

Look at That View

View of the Olympic Village from my bedroom window. Beautiful here. #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/L2EeN7ZpTb

— Jared Ward (@jwardy21) August 8, 2016

Marathon runner Jared Ward, who will compete during Week 2, shares his view of Olympic Village.

Rio #TeamAdams has settled in and completed our first session. #excitingtimes #TeamAdams #RoadToRio #countdown pic.twitter.com/V3hgwxoWVR

— Valerie Adams (@ValerieAdams84) August 8, 2016

Valerie Adams, New Zealand shot putter, shares her eagle-eye shot of the Olympic Village. She is scheduled to compete on Friday, August 12.

With the Olympics already in full swing, athletes from all over the world are competing for gold. From rugby to volleyball, here’s how members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are currently fairing in their respective events:

Taylor Sander: USA, Men’s Volleyball

In a lackluster qualifying game against the Canadian volleyball team, Team USA’s debut was plagued with errors, which led them to lose to Canada (25-23, 25-17, 25-23). “I don’t know if it was nerves or what,” Taylor Sander said about the first match, “but I’ll come back, watch some video and mentally prepare better.”

Canada won 28 points from Team USA’s errors, and Sander takes much of the blame. “I think my decision making wasn’t good attacking,” he said. “I thought I passed the ball well, but my decision making, it was my fault. I’ll learn from it and move on.”

However, Team USA has plenty of opportunities to improve their performance. Scheduled to play against Italy on Tuesday, August 9, Sander won’t let his disappointment negatively affect the next game. “It’s the first game of the Olympics, so it doesn’t feel great, but yeah, we have a good opportunity ahead of us, and a lot of games left in this pool. And that’s what we’re going to kind of turn our heads to now.”

Sander found fellow Brigham Young University athlete, Jared Ward, at the Opening Ceremonies. Ward, who will run in the Men’s Marathon event, will compete on Sunday, August 21, for the gold medal.

Good luck to fellow BYU Cougar @jwardy21 in Rio! Cool to run into him at opening ceremonies yesterday! pic.twitter.com/hf5BsMOI6l

— Taylor Sander (@TaylorSander15) August 6, 2016

Jake Gibb and Casey Patterson: USA, Men’s Beach Volleyball

On Saturday, August 6, Jake Gibb and Casey Patterson beat Quatar’s beach volleyball team (2-0), Jefferson Santos Pereira and Cherif Younousse. They are set to play Austria on Tuesday, August 9, at 1:30 (MT).

After the Opening Ceremonies, alternate Team USA gymnast and fellow Mormon, Mykayla Skinner, tweeted a hilarious picture of the beach volleyball athletes (Casey Patterson, left; Jake Gibb, right) with her and another gymnast alternate (Mykayla Skinner, left middle; Regan Smith, right middle).

(via Mykayla Skinner)

Maka Unufe: USA, Rugby Sevens

Maka Unufe attended the Opening Ceremonies, pictured second from the right on the back row. The U.S. rugby team will play against Argentina in a qualifying round on Tuesday, August 9, at 10:00 a.m. (MT).

(via Maka Unufe)

Valerie Adams: New Zealand, Shot Put

Valerie Adams, who traveled to Rio on August 7, will compete in the women’s shot put on Friday, August 12.

https://twitter.com/ValerieAdams84/status/762323979067543552

Leilani Mitchell: Australia, Women’s Basketball

After beating Brazil on the first day of play (84-66), Australia’s women’s basketball team went on to beat Turkey (61-56). With rounds of play still ahead of them, Australia will face France on Tuesday, August 9, at 9:15 a.m. (MT), Japan on Thursday, and Belarus on Saturday.

Jared Ward: USA, Men’s Marathon

Although he won’t be running his marathon until Sunday, August 21, at 6:30 a.m. (MT), Jared Ward (bottom right) will be in Rio training and living in the Olympic village. He enjoyed the Opening Ceremonies, and tweeted a picture with fellow Mormon athlete, John Nunn (top right).

Olympic village roommate @johnnywalker04 and the #nbcolympics film crew at the #OpeningCeremony What an experience. pic.twitter.com/xweagfv4N9

— Jared Ward (@jwardy21) August 6, 2016

John Nunn: USA, Race Walking

Meanwhile, race walker John Nunn tweeted a beautiful view of the Olympic Village in Rio at night. He and Jared Ward are roommates in the Olympic Village. Nunn will compete in the men’s 50km walk on Friday, August 19, at 5:00 a.m. (MT).

#goodnight from #Rio2016 @NBCOlympics pic.twitter.com/cYfVGpD65F

— John Nunn (@johnnywalker04) August 7, 2016

More LDS athletes will be competing in track and field events, like Lydia Casey Jele (Botswana) and Tatenda Tsumba (Zimbabwe), which will take place during week 2 of the Olympics. LDS weightlifter Sarah Robles will compete in the women’s weightlifting over 75kg category on Friday, August 12.

For a list of Mormon Olympians attending the Rio 2016 Olympics, visit LDS.net.

In an interview with PBS, Tony Vainuku explained the relationship between the Polynesian community and football.

“So the origin of the story. I grew up in the same community as our subjects with a lot of Polynesian cousins and uncles who played football and were advancing in football at a really young age,” Vainuku said. “A lot of us looked up to NFL players like Vai Sikahema who ends up being in the film, Junior Seau from the San Diego Chargers, and they all became role models for us at a young age. Again, all of us were excelling at football at the time or we do even now in little league football and whatnot, so it became something really easy that motivated us.”

“For most of us—all of us wanted to be in the NFL,” Vainuku continued, “but it was a younger uncle of mine that was our NFL hopeful. He ended up being recruited, but instead he got addicted to drugs and he ended up going to prison 10 years. And so that story of him really inspired me to tell the story of all Polynesians that are really raised to play football at the cost of everything else. Later when I got into filmmaking I wanted to tell this story and I knew there were other Polynesian kids that mostly related to it just because I know the community.”

As an aspiring football player, Vainuku grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, playing football and dreaming of the NFL. However, in college he turned his attention to filmmaking, and “In Football We Trust” combines his two interests in one project.

Co-director Erika Cohn, who is more a filmmaker than football star, explains the history of American football in Polynesian culture.

“American football was introduced to Pacific Islanders in the early 1900s with missionary schools and colonial sports clubs. Later the seemingly close alignment between football culture and Polynesian culture (especially respect for authority, community-mindedness, teamwork, self-pride, etc.) combined with the large and agile build of some Polynesian men, began to interest college football teams. By the 1970’s American football had become a potential pathway out of poverty, and a legitimate means to migrate to the United States. Samoan and Tongan young men are 26 times more likely to make it into the NFL than any other ethnic group. Yet, this statistic/their overrepresentation in college football and the NFL give an impression of equality. In reality only a few athletes receive college offers or professional contracts, leaving the rest to search for alternatives often too late in the game.”

Star Lotulelei was one of those standout football players to make it to the NFL. Lotulelei was born in Tonga and raised in South Jordan, Utah, after he turned nine years old. Raised as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Star’s father was a seminary teacher. After playing high school football for Bingham High School, he rose to the top 3 in the 2013 NFL draft playing for the University of Utah football team.

Discussing Lotulelei’s road to success, Vainuku explains, “Star was so humble. I think he had an idea that he was going to be picked in the first round. But when he wasn’t picked kicked in the first little bit he got nervous and went downstairs and you could feel the tension. It’s definitely surreal and I think a humbling moment for him because of his journey on his way. He went to a junior college before—he didn’t go the route of the D 1 schools and was picked up by Utah. So I think he had a humbling and tough road for that day. So it was definitely surreal and humbling to see his family get that gratification.”

While “In Football We Trust” highlights more than one Polynesian football player, Star Lotulelei stands out as an example of finding success while staying humble and valuing family.

“I don’t know if I can really say I love football,” Lotulelei said. “I like football. But I love my family and that’s why I do it.”

Watch the trailer for the new PBS film “In Football We Trust,” airing for PBS’s Online Film Festival starting July 11, 2016.

Track athlete Shaquille Walker (via byucougars.com)

After running the 800 meter race in the Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, former BYU track athlete Shaquille Walker fell short in his qualifying race.

With only 50 meters left in the race, Walker raced towards the finish line in lane 1. Unfortunately, a runner behind him sped up at the same time, tangling feet and losing momentum. While his opponent fell completely, Walker only slowed down enough to lose his place in the top eight. Finishing in tenth place, Walker lost his chance for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Walker, who formerly ran for the BYU track team, was born in Blue Island, Illinois, and ran for Richmond High School in Georgia before attending Brigham Young University. After running for the BYU track team for three years, Walker left his college team to run professionally for Brooks Beasts Track Club. His first professional race was the Olympic Trials.

After being disqualified, an appeal from his previous BYU coach, Ed Eystone, helped Walker to be readmitted to his previous standing. However, in tenth place, he still fell short of the Olympic qualifications.

While Walker faces disappointment in losing out on his Olympic dreams, he keeps his focus on what truly matters. A convert to the church, Walker openly shares his beliefs online.

“Before I really came to know God was there just a short 2 years ago,” Walker wrote on his Mormon.org profile, “I looked at religion as a Sunday thing that was not meant to affect our lives on any of the other days of the week. I now know that that is not the case. It is there to help us everyday, all day long. It is something we need! In short, it is not just a religion—it’s a life style.”

Although he didn’t grow up as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he considers his happy childhood and family as some of his main motivators.

“I grew up in a house where it was never quiet,” he writes. “I have five brothers so Mom and Dad always had their hands full. Growing up around so many boys was fun and something I am grateful for! Because I am a twin, it seemed like I was always competing with him; in school, in sports, in music, etc. It could have been damaging, but we never let it get too out of hand. Growing up that way always taught me to push myself and to never give up on myself, on my goals, or on my dreams.”

“From a young age I have loved running,” he explains. “I always wanted to be the fastest of all my friends. Although I never ran track until I was a freshman, I always thought it would be a good idea.”

Walker contributes his success to his work ethic as well as his faith. After completing his two-year mission to the England Manchester Mission in August 2014, he continued running and competing.

“When I started track, I never thought I would have run as well as I did. Before long, I found myself setting big goals and dreams, some of which seemed much too hard to achieve,” Walker wrote. “I never gave up though, and gave my best which was all I could do. Through hard work and many many blessings, I have seen a lot of those dreams fulfilled! I’ve now had the opportunity to run all over the country and even as far as Barcelona, Spain. Hard work, determination, and faith is the key—with those anything is possible!”

Although he won’t be competing in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, he will continue to run professionally with the Brooks Beasts Track Club. The Rio Olympics start on August 5, 2016.

After winning his first overall Canadian gymnastics title in 2011, he left the senior men’s national gymnastics team to serve a two-year mission in South Korea for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sacrificing many key opportunities to compete for opportunities to serve.

“It was difficult. I went into my mission not knowing if I would ever do [gymnastics] again. It was terrifying,” Payne said. “It was scary, but at the same time my religion is very important to me. I knew that if I put my trust into that decision it would work out.”

Unique from regular missions, Payne was given special permission to practice gymnastics at the Korean National Sports University eight months into his two-year service. He was able to rejoin the Canadian gymnastic team upon returning from his mission.

Right before competing in the Pan American Games in 2015, he tore his right Achilles tendon, making it impossible for him to compete.

However, with a boot to heal his foot and a determination to qualify for the Olympics, he fought his way through rehab for a year, starting training only ten days after his foot surgery. Rather than succumbing to his Achilles tendon injury and losing hope, Payne trained his way back to nationals in his hometown of Edmonton, Canada, and he’s not about to give up now.

“I had some doubts in my mind if I could come back,” Payne said, “but they weren’t big enough for me to stop.”

Jackson Payne (via examiner.com)

However, when the artistic gymnastics team for Canada failed to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics, Payne—along with other gymnasts from his artistic gymnastics team—had to compete in the national championships to vie for the one available gymnastics spot on Team Canada.

Payne excelled in Edmonton at the national championships. He won gold on the parallel bars and won his third overall national title, which positioned him as a main contender for the spot on the men’s gymnastics team, along with Rene Cournoyer of Quebec and Scott Morgan of Vancouver.

“It was a long road back. It took a year to get back to this point. There were some errors,” Payne said. But he sounded more hopeful for the future.

“I know I have room for improvement. I know there is more left in me.”

He exhibited good sportsmanship, as well as his competitive side, when he said, “I want the best person there in Rio competing for Canada. It’s the best way we can build our sport, and I want to be that guy.”

On June 30, Gymnastics Canada will determine who will fill the spot on the Canadian gymnastics team and go to Rio for the Olympics in August. Until then, Payne will undoubtedly be training, practicing, and hoping. He will also take a break from competing in gymnastics to get married in June.

Apart from hoping to get to Rio in August, Payne hopes to go to medical school in the future. He currently studies kinesiology at the University of Alberta and serves as a ward missionary in his local ward.

With Jackson Payne’s ability to turn every roadblock into something good, he sends a positive message to the world.

“If you can take something back from what happens, you can really grow.”

UPDATE: As of June 30, 2016, Scott Morgan of Vancouver beat out Jackson Payne as the only men’s artistic gymnast to go to the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Shown below, Payne (right) next to teammate Scott Morgan (middle), who made the Olympic team, and teammate Kevin Lytwyn (on the left). Payne will not compete for Team Canada in Rio this August.

Back in the game in Baku! #roadtotheolys #thedreamteam #ignoringthesleep #repost

A photo posted by Jackson Payne (@jpayne04) on Feb 18, 2016 at 7:47am PST