Let Your Light So Shine Before Men…

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The world of sports is a familiar and powerful presence in our lives. In every culture, children begin at a young age to play games that develop physical skills and teamwork. Across the globe, athletic ability is admired and often celebrated.

Today, vast audiences gather—both in person and virtually—to watch competitions that elevate athletes to positions of admiration, wealth, and influence. Their excellence is the result of disciplined effort, mental focus, and natural talent.

Yet, success in athletics—and the recognition that follows—also brings deeper tests of character. The ultimate challenge faced by athletes, as with all individuals, is not only how they perform, but who they become.

There are enduring principles of human conduct that transcend competition: fairness, humility, kindness, respect, integrity, and charity. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recognize this innate sense of right and wrong as the “Light of Christ.” When individuals live in harmony with these principles, that light becomes visible in their countenance—expressed through genuine joy and care for others.

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It is both inspiring and uplifting to witness athletes who exemplify not only excellence in competition, but also goodness and integrity in their ordinary lives.

On May 15, 2026, during the World Triathlon Para Series Yokohama event held at Yamashita Park in Yokohama, Japan, an extraordinary young athlete from the United States with such qualities participated. 

In the early morning paratriathlon competition, which brings together world-class athletes across multiple impairment classifications, Taylor Talbot—who is legally blind—competed among the world’s elite paratriathlon athletes.  Taylor’s vision is limited to a narrow and diminishing 10% field in her left eye – vision which she describes as “looking through a drinking straw,” with little to no peripheral or low-light vision. She was diagnosed at a very young age with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a progressive deterioration of vision that often leads to complete blindness.

Despite the profound challenge of her vision loss, Taylor earned the bronze medal in her classification at this prestigious international competition—an achievement that reflects both exceptional athletic ability and remarkable determination.

Taylor’s journey has been one of resilience and faith. As a young athlete, she first pursued track and field, eventually competing in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games (held in 2021), where she participated in both the 100-meter and 400-meter events. 

Reiko Isa, a Japanese resident and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints felt drawn by Taylor’s image on a social media feed urging support members of that Church competing in those games.  She reached out to Taylor.  They became friends and maintained an ongoing correspondence as Reiko continued to follow and encourage Taylor.

After the 2020 Games, Taylor made a courageous transition to triathlon—a sport requiring mastery of swimming, cycling, distance running, and the use of “guide” athlete.  Taylor made the change and commitment with little to no prior experience in the demands of these multiple disciplines. Through hard work, excellent coaching, and a willingness to learn, she quickly progressed to a world-class level.  She earned the respect of many for her rapid progress.

Central to Taylor’s journey is her faith in Jesus Christ.  A desire to serve as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints grew during the demands of her sprint training and competition.  A talk given by Russell M. Nelson, the President and Prophet of the Church, reinforced her desires to serve.  

After prayerful reflection she authored a letter to President Nelson.  She spoke of her gratitude for the multiple unsolicited contacts of people interested in knowing about her faith.  She asked if service as a full-time missionary was possible for her given her personal physical impairment. 

Though no reply came from President Nelson, Taylor was subsequently invited to the office of her Stake President.  Once she was seated in the Stake President’s office, he said, “Sister Talbot, you are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints….”   This was not the ordinary method for a call to serve a mission.  The words were the same, but the method of delivery was unique.  Her missionary service assignment was also unique.  She was asked to continue with her para-athlete training and competition while she continued to be a light to the world as a called disciple of the Lord, Jesus Christ. 

Though concrete direct evidence is lacking, the circumstantial evidence suggests that her call resulted from the spiritual attunement and sensitivity of a living prophet’s involvement in Taylor’s life.  This was yet another example of the Savior ministering to the one through His called spokesman.

For 32 months, she fulfilled this distinctive missionary assignment, sharing her faith naturally and effectively through her daily interactions and relationships as a paratriathlon athlete. She made her life as an athlete into a conscious and powerful witness of Jesus Christ and a daily affirmation of her devotion and discipleship.  Reiko Isa reflects that her first in-person meeting with Taylor at the 2024 World Triathlon competition at Yokohama impressed her deeply.  She found Taylor wearing her missionary badge and speaking excitedly of her hope that she might communicate her testimony in public forums and by publications to the people of Japan.

Taylor still finds that her athletic environment provides meaningful opportunities to connect with others and share her beliefs. Her decision to switch to triathlon competition occurred during her missionary service.  The decision to transition was heavily influenced by her desire, as a called missionary, to be in settings where she could best live and reflect her values as a missionary.

Those who meet her often notice something even more lasting: her humility, joy, and sincere care for others.  Her ambition, discipline, work ethic, and indomitable athletic persona is accompanied by a bright and shining soul.  Her countenance and presence literally shine with an amazing aura. 

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She has an impact upon others much like the operation of the effect of the piercing “small voice”.  She pierces the heart and soul with humble and infectious joy for life and people.  In the face of daunting challenges and the heady impact of success, she remains an example of the Savior himself.   It is a blessing that the Lord brought her to Japan for an introduction to this country, the people, and the members – again “letting her light so shine….”  And, thanks to her friend, Reiko isa, she had a wonderful guided personal tour of Japan for several days after her Yokohama competition.

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