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Derek Parra
- 2002 Olympics gold (1,500m) and silver (5,000) medalist; set world record in 1,500m and American record in 5,000m
- Two-time Olympian (2002, 2006)
- 2001 U.S. national champion
- 2001 North American champion
- 2000 U.S. allround overall champion
- Took silver medal in 1500m at 2001 World Single Distance Championships
- Always eats a pack of cookies the night before a race
- When away from skating, enjoys spending time with his wife, reading the Bible and working at Home Depot
- Has made big sacrifice for skating, as his wife lives and works in Florida while he trains in Utah
- Two-time world inline national champion, setting two world records (1500m and 42K) and earning 18 individual gold medals
- Narrowly qualified as an alternate for 1998 Olympic Winter Games, but could not compete after the other athlete changed his mind and decided to skate
- Involved as a Home Depot Winter Athlete-Associate
- Admits he is a crier
Parra's typical day is full of non-stop work. While he practices several hours a day, he also maintains a job at Home Depot in order to keep up with his bills. He often comes home to a dark house because his roommates have already gone to bed before he can get off from work.
Related Links
Ask an Olympian: Is Derek Parra skating in the next Olympics?
Photo gallery: Olympic speedskater Derek Parra
Video: Gold Medalist: 2002 Video: Interview montage...
Video: 2002 On tip for watching...
Video: 2002 Thankful for...
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Height: 5' 4
Born: 3/15/1970
Hometown: San Bernardino, Calif.
Resides: Greenfield, Wis.
Sport: Speed Skating
Event: long track
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