As I watch the Opening Ceremonies for the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, I reflect on the Olympic Spirit that symbolizes healthy International relations which is essentially responsible for my opportunity to live in America.
Listening to Korean singers perform John Lennon's Imagine, I see my personal history embodied in a moment. Korean boy, adopted at 9 months and raised in America, as an American. I cannot truly communicate the depth of my gratitude to the my Korean birthmother for giving me this opportunity and to all the wonderful Americans who have given me every opportunity to live my best life.
Watching the shooting star drones and skiers perform on the snow, reminds me of the beauty the mountains holds and the thrill we can feel when we harness the Earth's power beneath our feet.
As a former professional snowboarder, the mountains are where I found so much of myself. I found my community of athletes and family, who kept me warm and fed through many winters in Montana. #BigMountain
So, to all of my fellow Americans, to my fellow Koreans, and to my fellow humans across the globe. I wish you a very happy, honorable, and healthy Olympic season as we push the boundaries of possibility, athletically and diplomatically.