Johanna Fuenmayor: Mormon Athlete in the Olympics

Johanna Fuenmayor is one of a dozen Mormon athletes, who have qualified to compete in the 2012 Olympics, in London. [1] Each Mormon Olympian not only represents his or her country but also represents Christ as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly referred to as the Mormon Church by some). The Mormon athlete specializes in the “foil” fencing move and has managed to maintain the necessary concentration needed during the foil. Johanna has participated in the pan American Games Women’s Events worldwide and her team won silver in Winnipeg (1999); gold in Rio de Janeiro (2007), [2] and a bronze medal in the “Team Foil” event (2011) [3] in Guadalajara, Mexico. [4] In the women’s team foil competition:

Teams consist of three members each. Matches consist of nine bouts, with every fencer on one team facing each fencer on the other team. Scoring carried over between bouts with a total of 45 touches being the team goal. Bouts lasted until one team reached the target multiple of 5 touches. For example, if the first bout ended with a score of 5-3, that score would remain into the next bout and the second bout would last until one team reached 10 touches. Bouts also had a maximum time of three minutes each; if the final bout ended before either team reached 45 touches, the team leading at that point won. [5]

Johanna-Fuenmayor-Mormon OlympianJohanna Beatriz Fuenmayor Choles was born on July 17, 1978. She began fencing at the age of 10 because of her brother Harold’s influence. The Mormon athlete has worked hard to develop her talent for over 20 years. During the prequalification finals for the Olympics, she said she was able to sleep well the night preceding competitions. She concentrated 100% instead of being overly anxious and this is important to win the “foil” fencing match. Her technical director said that Johanna’s accomplishments have shown good results because of her hard work and sacrifice. [2]

Johanna is not only a Mormon athlete, but also participates in the LDS Relief Society organization (a divine organization led by a prophet of God for women worldwide). Mormon women attending Relief Society program develop strong testimonies of the Lord Jesus Christ. They can participate in Sunday worship services; weekly activities; community service projects; and annual women’s conferences (See this link to read more). Women learn that they are “…created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit… daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.” [6]

http://youtu.be/GElX9TyRcK8

Mormon Athlete’s Accomplishments: [2]

First Zuliana with gold en the Youth (Juveniles) category (1996)

Gold (Foil Team event) en the South American Medellín (2010)

Silver en the Central-American and Caribbean (1998)

Awards/Titles in the Bolivian Games (2001), SouthAmericans (2002), & CAC (2002)

6th place in the Pan American Games (2003)

Graduate from LUZ (1991)

Licensed as a biology analyst

Article by Rebecca

Additional Resources:

Mormon Beliefs: Jesus Christ

Read another article about the Mormon woman Breeja Larson (Olympic Swimmer)

Visit your local Mormon church

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