Kenny Monday

Wrestling

Three-time Olympic wrestler Kenny Monday carries with him a constant reminder that no one is immune from violence.

It’s a copy of the memorial program from the funeral of Dave Schultz, an Olympic teammate and frequent opponent who was shot to death in January on the estate of John E. du Pont.

“That could have been any of us,” said Monday, going for a third medal at 163 pounds.

Monday, 34, won gold in 1988 and silver in 1992, then retired for more than two years. He had to shed more than 40 pounds after resuming training last October.

He’s looking forward to Atlanta with a different perspective.

“I’ve gone through two Olympics, so I’m not likely to get caught up in the hype,” he said.

Monday said he and Schultz were not close friends, but developed a deep sense of respect from their rivalry.

“It’s a part of life and the best thing to do is try to turn it into a positive in some way,” he said.