„I have such an amazing time bobsledding. But if my country asks me to do something…“
On Sunday, the U. S. Olympic Committee announced the 12 men who will represent the U. S. in South Korea on the men’s Olympic bobsled team.
Four of the men — one-third of the team — have also represented their country outside of the Olympic stage — as soldiers.
Sgt. Justin Olsen, New York National Guard
After high school, Sgt. Justin Olsen studied at the Air Force Academy for a year. However, after realizing he had an extraordinary talent for bobsledding, he focused entirely on it.
During the 2010 Olympics, Olsen roomed with National Guardsman Mike Kohn, who talked to him about joining the National Guard.
“I already represent my country,” Olsen told The San Diego-Tribune in January of 2011. “Now it’s an opportunity to serve and represent my country at the same time.”
He met with recruiters during a 2010 World Cup event in Lake Placid, New York, and asked if he could complete the physical and testing the next day.
Olsen won gold at the 2010 Olympics and also participated in the 2014 games. The games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, will mark the 30-year-old’s third time representing the U. S. in the bobsled portion.
Sgt. Nick Cunningham, New York National Guard
In 2003, Sgt. Nick Cunningham had “never really been to the snow.” Seven years later he competed in the 2010 Olympics on America’s bobsled team.
Mom and Dad- We did it!… AGAIN!! You were always there when I needed you the most. Through the good times and the bad, your love and support always kept me going. I love you and more importantly, thank you. @TeamUSA #ForMyFamily pic.twitter.com/xjC1PRfg5y
— Nick Cunningham, OLY (@BOBSLEDR) January 15,2018
According to The Mercury News of San Jose, California, his mom half-joking suggested he try bobsledding. As it turned out, he was fast, and more importantly, was fast on the ice, which made him a perfect fit.
“I just decided to try out for the United States bobsled team as a graduation gift to myself,” Cunningham told the Santa Cruz Sentinel .
