When Last is First

In July, athletes from across the Pacific gathered in Palau to compete in the Pacific Mini Games. Competitors from Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, and many other islands filled the host nation with energy, talent, and athletic excellence.

On Sunday, July 7, Fijian Latter-day Saint athlete Errol Qaqa attended sacrament meeting with the Palau Branch, where he bore a moving testimony of faith. The following day, Brother Qaqa went on to win a gold medal in the hurdles. Among those listening to his testimony that Sunday was 79-year-old Palauan Joseph Le Madd, whose own story of determination and devotion had unfolded just weeks earlier—one that proved worthy of recognition far beyond any medal.

On June 2, Palau hosted a Tobacco-Free 5K in conjunction with President’s Day. Rising at 4:30 a.m., Joseph Le Madd—who typically relies on a crutch to attend church—arrived at the race without it. He told senior missionary Elder Scott Lieber, “I have completed every one of these 5Ks since I gave up tobacco about 20 years ago. I slept all day yesterday so I could do this.”

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Elder Lieber and his wife, Kristin, who were serving as senior missionaries in Palau at the time, were also participating in the race and felt concerned as Joseph attempted the course without his crutch. When the race began, the runners quickly surged ahead. About halfway through, the Liebers noticed Joseph far behind, yet steadily moving forward on his own. Realizing he was alone, they turned back to check on him.

Joseph’s face lit up when he saw them. The three decided to walk together. Joseph took Elder Lieber’s arm, sharing stories from his life and his long victory over tobacco. “I couldn’t hold back tears,” Sister Lieber later said, “as Joseph held my companion’s arm, limping along and sharing stories of light.”

At one point, Elder Lieber gently remarked, “Joseph, I think you need a softer crutch now,” as Sister Lieber offered her arm to support their Palauan friend.

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Step by step, Joseph pressed on, pausing often to catch his breath. Though determined to finish, he quietly acknowledged this might be his final 5K. The last two kilometers stretched before them like a mountain climb.

Nearly two hours after the start, they reached the finish line. Most of the race organizers had already begun packing up, but several members of the Palau Branch, led by Sheena Carlson, had remained, waiting for Joseph. As he crossed the line, Joseph raised his arm in triumph. Tears flowed freely among those who cheered him on. Palau’s First Lady, Mrs. Whipps, approached Joseph to congratulate him and asked to take a photo, inspired by his remarkable effort.

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The Word of Wisdom carries sacred promises, and Joseph Le Madd stands as a living witness to them. Weeks later, as young Latter-day Saint athletes from the Pacific Mini Games attended church in Palau, Joseph leaned over to Elder Lieber and whispered, “Thank you for coming back for me. I would not have made it without you and Sister Lieber. Even though we took last place, we did it.”

Elder Lieber quietly replied, “Joseph, sometimes last is first.”

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