U.S. Olympian Nick Cunningham meets with Salinas youth Wednesday

“Don’t give up. “

That was the message two-time Olympian and Monterey native Nick Cunningham had for more than 400 of the Central Coast’s YMCA youth Wednesday.

“Everything comes with sacrifice and hard work and you know, just a little bit of luck, I wouldn’t change it and that’s what I want to kind of get across to especially these kids,” said Cunningham.

Cunninghamhas only been bobsledding since 2008, but his accomplishments are something to admire.

“I grew up in Monterey, I went to Monterey High, graduated there and went to Boise State University, graduated from Monterey Peninsula College also, and you know once I graduated from Boise State, I decided to go and try out for the bobsled team,” said Cunningham.

Although he is only home for a short time every year, Cunningham continues to give back to his home community inspiring kids to follow their dreams.

” I come home every year for the rodeo, so to come out here and to be able to give back to, you know, some of the groups in the area that I was a part of as a kid, and I really want to let them know that if you follow your dreams really anything’s possible,” said Cunningham.

Cunningham only has a short time back at home because his team is already planning to go to Lake Placid to train, and then to Russia- to compete during this off season. He said the 2014 Olympics were enough to get him motivated for 2018 and that there is no time to waste when preparing.