Chris Fogt couldn’t express what winning bronze in the finals of the 2014 Sochi Olympics meant to him. The US Army captain competed in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, but finished last in his event. He was excluded from the 4-man bobsled team, which later won gold for U.SA. This was painful for Fogt to recall. It was tough for him to admit that he went to the Games, but got washed out and finished last.
Fogt comes from Alpine, Utah. In 2007, he joined the U.S. bobsled program; a year later, he joined the Army. Fogt continued to train under the military’s athletic program, preparing for the day he’d get the chance to compete in the Olympics. This opportunity came in 2010, which he failed. Since then, it had been 4 years of quiet weeping for the lost opportunity.
>>> Sharpen the Mind: Challenge it Daily
>>> Become a Better You: Interview with James Fell
>>> Motivation: Expert Tips on Getting Pumped
The soldier and athlete in Fogt did not give up the Olympic dream. He trained as pusher for the U.S.A.-1 bobsled team with Steven Langton, Curtis Tomasevicz, and Steve Holcomb. He had his eyes set for the Sochi Games.
Sunday night of the finals, supporters of the team, and especially of Fogt, cheered U.S.A.-1 sled from start, until they overtook the German team, to the finish line. The team won bronze, not the gold that U.S.A. won in the previous Games, but it was the sweet win that Fogt waited four long years for.
Fogt couldn’t get over his happiness and overwhelming pride. He goes home to Utah and to active duty with his bronze medal. He says that it will take a while before he takes it off. He will eventually, but in the meantime, he enjoys wearing it and showing it around.