Youth Olympians of North Dakota welcomed home

Bismarck, North Dakota – To welcome home North Dakota’s Youth Olympians, more than two dozen friends and family members gathered at the Bismarck Airport on Saturday night.

The United States curling squad that participated in the Youth Olympic Games in South Korea included Zach Brenden and Owen Nelson.

They lost to Switzerland in the quarterfinals and ended with a 6-2 record.

To express their pride in the way the teens competed and represented North Dakota, local curlers wanted to meet them at the airport.

“I think this was such a cool experience for these guys,” said Allison Grabow, who organized the welcome home. “I know when they lost in the quarterfinals, they felt a little bad, but I wanted them to know the community is proud of them, their family, their friends, the curling club. We’re all very excited for everything that they did.”

Although Nelson and Brenden admit they’re a touch jet lagged, they’re excited for their next competition. In March, they’ll compete in the junior nationals to qualify for the World Championship in that division.

Nelson attends Mandan High School as a senior. Senior Brenden attends Bismarck Legacy.