Posted Tuesday, February 9, 2010 9:30 p.m.

Tucker Fredricks didn't have that story book ending he'd hoped for at the 2006 winter games in Torino.

When he takes the ice next Monday to compete in the 500 meter sprint he's hoping for a better outcome.

So are his parents who will be cheering him on from the stands in Vancouver.

From early on it was evident...Tucker Fredricks is an athlete. By age two he was performing hand stands with a little help from his dad and riding his bike with no training wheels.

He participated in several sports like baseball. He even ran a triathlon with his mother.

Shawn Fredricks, Tucker's Mom says, "I'd say he was a natural born athlete. Certain things...he was just very kinesthetically aware and he could do quite a bit rather easily."

Eventually he got involved in hockey and that led to speed skating.

Next Monday he'll go for the gold at the 2010 games in Vancouver.

Shawn says, "I think we're all excited that we've enjoyed the journey."

And what a journey it's been. Not just for Tucker, but his parents as well.

Soon they'll leave to see their son take the ice. Not too long ago it was Tucker's mom Shawn that was in the spotlight.

She wasn't going for gold, but she was taking on Stephen Colbert, host of Comedy Central's The Colbert Report.

She says, "I was so nervous that my legs were kind of shaking. The adrenaline was pumping."

Shawn didn't get a medal for her victory. But Dan says it was still great watching her beat Colbert.

Dan says, "They're both equally high points in my life."

He's hoping his family will continue their winning streak in Vancouver.

If they do there's a good chance the gold could end up back in Wisconsin with so many of Tucker's other awards.

" He's real laid back. Real laid back," Dan adds, "Medals and that don't mean much to him."

If you want to cheer on Tucker you can. He races next Monday right here on NBC 15.