Gold medalist asked how she feels about U.S.--her answer surprised media

U.S. Wrestler Tamyra Mensah-Stock won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the 68kg final and was asked by a reporter, "How does it feel to represent your country like this?" If this was say, 1968, that would have sounded like a stupid question because the answer would have been obvious, but in 2021 a person of color may feel obligated to answer it differently.

"I love representing the U.S. I freaking love living there," she said, pumping her fist and smiling as she pulled the flag tighter around her athletic body.

That probably wasn't the answer the reporter expected from a Black woman. Instead of putting the country down as a racist, unfair nation, Mensah-Stock showed gratitude.

She began wrestling in the tenth grade in Katy, Texas.

"When I first started wrestling, I wanted to be an emblem, a light to younger women and show them that you can be silly, you can have fun and you can be strong," Mensah-Stock told USA Today. "You can be tough, you can be a wrestler and you don’t have to be like this," – growl – "I’m gonna be mean to you."

Before winning gold, Mensah-Stock was an unknown athlete to the mainstream fans. But without a doubt, that has changed and she is without a doubt, the most likable athlete at the Games. Her love of the USA is a breath of patriotic air that rids us of the stink we get from the left from the politics that has no business being there.

When she was asked what she plans to do with the money that comes from winning the gold, Mensah-Stock was very clear: "I wanted to give my mom $30,000 so she can get a food truck, ‘cause it’s her dream," she said. "And I told her five years ago, ‘Alright mommy, I’ll get you your food truck, but you gotta be responsible.

"So my mom’s gettin’ her food truck! She’s gonna have her little cooking business. She can cook really, really, really well. Barbecue!"

This is without a doubt the best story to come out of the Games thus far. 

I love this young woman and wish her all the best for her future. With an attitude like hers, she will go far.

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Family of suicidal plane thief 'shocked' but I have a theory

The family of the man who authorities say stole a Horizon Air turboprop aircraft from Sea-Tac International Airport and apparently committed suicide with it told the media they were in "complete shock." His friends say he was a "friendly guy" and nobody seems to know why he did it.

Richard Russell, 29, the man in question who liked to be called Beebo, is presumed dead.

He was a ground service agent for Horizon Airlines, a sister carrier of Alaska Airlines, and once ran a bakery with his wife. His social media showed his love for travel and his airline job was a perk that allowed him to travel often.

Russell was born in Key West, Florida and moved to Wasilla, Alaska when he was 7 years old. He was currently living in Sumner, Washington, according to a Web page he set up for a college communication class.

While he never mentioned of studying for his pilot's license, he did mention in some of his online posts of his Christian faith and the possibility of joining the military.

According to authorities, Russell commandeered an empty Bombardier Q400. It's a 107 feet long turboprop. He flew it for about an hour and was often erratic in his handling of the plane and attempted doing aerial stunts before crashing on Ketron Island in Puget Sound. Authorities say that he appeared to have acted alone and was suicidal, the local sheriff said.

His family said in a statement: "It may seem difficult for those watching at home to believe, but Beebo was a warm, compassionate man."

On radio communication during his deadly flight, Russell was heard saying, "Got a few screws loose, I guess. Never really knew it until now."

Everyone seemed to like him and described him as outgoing and friendly. He was a star athlete at Wasilla High School where he ran track and was also on the wrestling team.

Gary Howell, a Wasilla High track and field coach, remembers Russell as a funny guy who always had a smile and a joke and was a great team player.

"Absolutely the kind of kid you want on your team," Howell told the Anchorage Daily News.

The wrestling coach said similar things about him.

He reminds one of Robin Williams--everyone liked him and he seemed happy.

I wonder if he suffered a concussion or some kind of brain injury that went unnoticed or unreported in his wrestling career.

It's also possible that he actually hoped to land the plane because he said, "Do you think if I land this plane successfully they'll give me a job as a pilot?"

But I'd go with the first possibility.

Very sad.

Rest in peace, Richard.


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