Justin Lester became a member of the U.S. Army’s World Class Athlete Program in 2010. Larry Slater photo. Continued from page 7
being around the [Army] guys and maturing a little bit more and making that decision when I was 26, it’s a possibility that I might have to go fight, but at the same time I have the opportunity to achieve my dreams of being an Olympic gold medalist. For me, both options were great at that time. It was just a comfortable situation.” Naturally, a sense of added responsibility goes with the terri-
tory.
“It puts a little more weight on you because you are doing something you love, but we have guys that are collecting that same paycheck who are wrestling with their lives,” Lester said. “They’re out there fighting for me, and when I get on that mat I need to represent to my fullest to make sure they know that I really appreciate that they’re doing that for me and giving me the opportunity to do it.” After nearly two years of soldiering, Lester is certain he made the right move. “I love the military,” he said. “I love everything about it. Obviously, I love WCAP and all the guys. I’ve never had any problems. It’s just a good situation.”
When he broke onto the international wrestling scene, Lester said he never envisioned joining the Army for a shot at the 2012 Olympics.
“No, not at all,” he said. “I figured I would have finished out with one of the club teams, had an Olympic medal, and been working for some big medical company. That was my plan. Or going on some type of tour. Maybe even acting or something. “But definitely things changed over the years, and commit- ment to the Army was the best thing at the time. “You never know where life’s going to take you.” This summer, life is taking Lester to London, and his mission remains the same.
8 USA Wrestler
Lester is hoping to make a big splash when he competes in his first Olympic Games. Larry Slater photo.
“I’ve got one goal, and one goal only, and that’s a gold medal,” he said. “I want to say I’m going to keep going until I get it. I hope it’s this year. As long as my body holds up – I’m 28, going on 97.”
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