French Polynesian Latter-day Saint Athlete Honoured to Carry Olympic Torch

A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was among those to carry the 2024 Paris Olympics torch in French Polynesia.

Imihia Teumere, a 16-year-old who won a bronze medal in Judo at the 2023 Pacific Games, carried the torch through the community of Mahina, where she lives.

“I felt blessed to be selected to carry the Paris 2024 Olympic torch in French Polynesia,” she said.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, Imihia gives thanks to her Heavenly Father for giving her the strength to train and compete in her chosen sport.

She says, “Jesus Christ makes the impossible possible.”

DOWNLOAD

Members of a congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tahiti hosted torchbearers in the Olympic Torch Relay.

The organizing committee chose to establish their base camp in the Punaauia municipality at the Punaruu Latter-day Saint chapel. Volunteers from the Church worked as the welcome committee for the 19 torchbearers, the organizing committee, the accompanying staff, and the security detachment.

“Your church is very welcoming and one can feel the safety and the security inside,” said Francois D’Herbrecourt of Oviri Events. “Thank you for agreeing to collaborate with us, to make this exceptional day possible.

“Thank you to the volunteers for being operational and helping us. It seems they already know what to do. I appreciated their discretion and dynamism.”

Lowina Leifoo, Punaruu Ward Relief Society President and an event volunteer said, “I really found joy in serving. There was a need and I didn't hesitate to give a hand with other friends and members to clean up the garden and chapel to welcome the torch relayers and organizers for this exceptional event.

“I thought of my Saviour and wanted his chapel to be clean and welcoming for his children. I came away from the day with a heart overflowing with gratitude and privilege.”

“Everybody was so happy to be interacting with each other in a safe and secure space,” said Noelline Parker, national communication director for the Church of Jesus Christ in French Polynesia.

“Our volunteers were elated to contribute, even in a modest way, to the success of this unique event.”

By the time the torch has finished its course, runners will have completed 3,100 miles through France and some of its territories.

French Polynesia will be hosting the Olympic Surfing competition, which made its debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The Games of the XXXIII Olympiad will be hosted by Paris, France 26 July to 11 August 2024.