In secular France, chaplains prepare to give Olympians spiritual support

FILE - Jason Nioka, a former judo champion and deacon who's in charge of the largest contingent of Olympic chaplains, about 40 priests, nuns and lay Catholics, walks inside the Madeleine church, May 30, 2024 in Paris. FILE - Candles light at 'Our Lady of Athletes' chapel inside the Madeleine church, Thursday, May 30, 2024 in Paris. FILE - The 'Our Lady of Athletes' chapel in seen inside the Madeleine church, May 30, 2024 in Paris.

As athletes rev up their training and organizers finalize everything from ceremonies to podiums before the Paris Olympics, more than 120 faith leaders are preparing for a different challenge — spiritually supporting some 10,000 Olympic athletes from around the world, especially those whose medal dreams will inevitably get crushed.