Goosebumps!!! Interviewing gold medalist Derek Parra IN THE VERY BUILDING, the Utah Olympic Oval, where he took the gold medal on his home ice in 2002 was insane. He was getting so excited, pointing out of the office windows out to the ice, talking about the crowd and the excitement, this was electric. Most people don't know what Derek had to go through to get there, and his story is absolutely captivating, as he wrote in his book, Reflections In The Ice. Being introduced to roller skating races to win a soda because he was thirsty. Eating stale food because he was hungry. Transferring from roller to ice so that he could represent his country in the Olympic Games. Making it to Nagano in '98, only to be told THE NIGHT BEFORE THE RACE that due to a technically in timing in a qualifying race, that he couldn't skate.
And then.... He stepped out onto his home ice in 2002. And...... He was the first ever Lation to win gold in the Winter Olympics. The event has been skated faster since then. But NEVER in the Olympic Games.
This was a special interview. So grateful for Derek, his determination, and for his direct influence in my life, helping me learn the sport.
Find Derek at-
dparra@uolf.com
Special love to-
Apollo Ohno
Home Depot's Going For Gold program that used to assist our Olympians
Dr. Eric Heiden
Olympic Venues today
The WORST interview ever, with Olympian John Daly
An article about Derek coaching in the SL Trib
Going from roller to ice
Find Boundless Body at-