Sheldon, Iowa — In the past few days there has beem much talk about the United States Olympic athletes not competing in the Winter Olympic Games this coming February in PyeongChang, South Korea. The close proximity of North Korea has caused some fears about the U.S. athletes’ safety. We talked to former Olympic medalist, and Sheldon native, Terry Brands, to get his take on the situation.
Brands says that the number one priority is always safety.
He says he is of the opinion that North Korea’s Kim Jong Un should lay aside his saber-rattling for the duration of the Winter Games.
Brands says that, speaking for himself, he would definitely want to go and compete in the games.
He went on to say that, as an Olympic athlete, he would be terribly disappointed if he weren’t allowed to compete.
Brands represented the United States in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, winning a Bronze Medal in wrestling. Terry and his twin brother Tom, who won the Gold in Atlanta in 1996 Olympic, are originally from Sheldon, and are currently co-coaches of the Iowa Hawkeye Wrestling Team.
