Dallas, Texas (October 23, 2000) - The following is a statement from Brandon Slay, Gold Medalist, USA Freestyle Wrestling Team, concerning the decision made today by the International Olympic Committee stripping Germany's Alexander Leipold of the Gold Medal at 76 kg at the XXVII Olympiad in Sydney, Australia.    "I have just received the news from Lausanne, Switzerland from the International Olympic Committee ordering the German Olympic champion Alexander Leipold to return the Gold Medal after he tested positive for using the anabolic steroid nandralone. Obviously, I am pleased to be the Olympic champion in my weight class (76 kg/167.5 lbs.) and earn a Gold Medal for my country, for my teammates, for my family and for my friends. I have trained for 18 years to accomplish this goal. In 1984, I watched the late Dave Schultz win the Gold Medal at my weight class at the XXIII Olympics in Los Angeles. Ever since, it's been my dream to do the same. I would like to dedicate my Gold Medal to his memory.    As for Alexander Leipold, he has a record of outstanding achievement in the sport of wrestling. He is a great competitor. But, he took a banned substance for whatever reason. I often talk with young people about choices in life. He made his choice and I've made mine. I've chosen to be drug free. I hope that sends a strong and clear message to all athletes and competitors in sports. If you take banned substances, you'll be disqualified. This is a line from the Olympic Athletes Oath that all participants pledged during the Opening Ceremony in Sydney...  'committing ourselves to a sport without doping and without drugs in the true spirit of sportsmanship ...'    My dream has been to win the gold medal. I feel very fortunate to have done so and at the same time learned some very good lessons from the complete Olympic experience. I'll have these lessons to guide me for the rest of my life."     Thank you,  Brandon Slay  Brandon@brandonslay.com  www.brandonslay.com