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Ridgefield Luger Finishes Olympic Journey, Now Dad Wants To Find Him A Date

RIDGEFIELD, Conn. -- Brett West sparked his son's Olympic dream when he built a luge run in their Ridgefield backyard a dozen years ago. So 18-year-old Tucker West is forgiving his dad for embarrassing him across the world in a "Today" show interview.

Ridgefield has rallied behind its hometown hero, Olympic luger Tucker West, an 18-year-old man described by his father as 'very single.'

Ridgefield has rallied behind its hometown hero, Olympic luger Tucker West, an 18-year-old man described by his father as 'very single.'

Photo Credit: USA Luge Association

Brett West went on the NBC program on Sunday to talk about his son, the youngest U.S. Olympic luger ever, and decided to play matchmaker.

“I just want to say to all the young ladies out there, Tucker is very single,” Brett West said. "And he's a little shy, so you'll have to reach out to him." He pointed interested fans to the TeamTucker Facebook page and promised everyone a personal reply. (Watch the NBC video here.)

Later Sunday, Brett West posted on the TeamTucker Facebook page: "I am in so much trouble with Tucker."

Here are a sample of the Facebook posts. Haley Benner said: "Tucker, good luck in Sochi!! Oh, and by the way I'm 18, single, and would like to ask: Would you to be my date to prom? (My mom saw your dad on the Today show this morning and decided to embarrass me by posting this, just like he embarrassed you!)"

Katie Szelewicki posted: "At least this will make for a great story when it gets older."

But as good luck wishes poured in, little sister Tatum West weighed in with: "I would like to remind everyone that this a fan page for Tucker's Olympic journey and not a dating fan page. Let's not forget what we are here and cheering for. Thanks, GO TUCKER AND USA!"

The story was picked up by Yahoo sports, NBC affiliates across the country and Sports Illustrated. Tucker West picked up a lot more fans, too, as the TeamTucker Facebook page nearly doubled in fans from 1,900 to 3,200 on Sunday afternoon.

But it turns out Tucker isn't mad at his dad, after all. On Sunday evening, he said via Twitter ‏@TuckerWest1: "Although slightly mortified by my dad's comments on the @TODAYshow he's still the best dad I could have ever asked for!"

Tucker West finished 22nd in the men's luge, with a combined time of 3:31.217 from his four runs. He was 3.691 seconds behind the gold medalist, Felix Loch, 24, of Germany. Read more about the event here on the Daily Voice. 

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