Chas Betts Returns From the Olympics and Shares the Experience with St. Michael-Albertville Rotary

Chas Betts spoke to the St. Michael-Albertville Rotary Tuesday morning. By way of introduction, Rotarian Linda Borchardt explained her connection to Betts.

"I live in the same neighborhood, and sending him off to the Olympics was like sending my own son," Borchardt said.

Betts, a Minnesota Storm member, shared his background in wresting and explained how he came upon Roman Greco wrestling in the third grade. While Betts always had Olympic dreams, it was just a year ago that he truly believed he could do it.

"I had tried out for the Olympic team in 2008 and didn't make it, but the difference this year was that I truly believed I could do it," he said noting he'd never seen his parents so nervous.

"They would walk the halls at competitions, and my mom called a lot during training. It was different because this time they knew I could [actually do it]," he said.

The defining moment of Betts' career was walking out for his first Olympic match seeing his friends and family in the stands.

While it was disappointing to leave London without a medal, Betts has a lot to be grateful for, he says.

"I had full support from my family, friends and my wife and I am proud to have that be my story," he said adding that his parents drove him to practice since he was 6 years old.

Every Olympic games since 1968, a Minnesota Storm team member has gone to the Olympics and Betts is proud to have been able to carry on that legacy by going to the 2012 games.

"A medal would have been nice, but I took so much out of the entire experience," he said.

Betts is now back in Minnesota, living in Minnetonka with his wife, Kristi, for the first time in their 18-month marriage.