The United States State Department has warned U.S. Olympic athletes that wearing team USA colors around Sochi may put them in danger during the Winter Games in two weeks.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. Olympic Committee sent a memo to athletes cautioning them about wearing Team USA gear as terror threats have been heightened in Sochi as the Games near.
“The U.S. Department of State has advised that wearing conspicuous Team USA clothing in non-accredited areas may put your personal safety at greater risk,” the memo reportedly said.
The memo also “details other steps that athletes can take to ensure their safety while in Sochi, including enrolling in a State Department traveler program.”
Greg Bretz, “a snowboard half-pipe rider preparing for his second Olympics,” confirmed to the Journal that officials “have told us not to wear our USA gear outside of the venues.” He also said he has “so much faith in the United States and our safety that I’m not too worried about it.”