Concerned About Safety, Olympic Speedskater Asks Family To Stay Home

JANESVILLE, Wis. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Olympic speedskater Tucker Fredricks is heading to the Winter Games in Russia next month. But he's asked his family to stay home in Wisconsin because of security concerns.

Can you blame him?

The athlete from Janesville will be competing in his third and last Olympics after finishing 12th in the 2010 Vancouver Games. His parents, Dan and Shawn Fredricks, attended the 2010 Games and the 2006 competition in Torino, Italy.

Dan Fredricks tells The Janesville Gazette his son is worried about the family's security, so they will stay home so he can concentrate on skating. Fredricks will be competing in the 500-meter speed skating event Feb. 10. He finished second at the U.S. Olympic Trials.

The State Department is advising any Americans traveling to the games to "remain alert regarding their personal security."

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