Derek Parra
Derek Parra
Derek Parrais an American of Mexican Native American descent. inline skater and speed skater from San Bernardino, California, who graduated from Eisenhower High School in Rialto, California, in 1988. Parra won two medals at the 2002 Winter Olympics, held in Salt Lake City, Utah...
days family gone heart skated
I've skated with my heart and my family for so many years and now that it is gone it has been really hard. Some days I'm OK. Some days I'm not. It's just difficult.
difficult gone hours
I know it was difficult for her. I was gone 12 hours a day.
journey symbolizes
It's still the accomplishment; it's not about the medal. It's about the journey getting there, I think, and this symbolizes that journey.
behind
I've got to put this thing behind me for one day. If I can't, I won't be going to the Olympics.
hope mind
It's been tough. I hope I can put things out of mind and try to make the team.
carry imagine load took
It took a load off her shoulders. I can't even imagine what it was like to carry around something like that all those years. Accomplishing what she did was pretty miraculous.
family skate
I skate with my heart. My family has been there with me for so many years. Now, that's all gone.
days
Some days I'm OK. Some days I'm not.
There were times when I didn't think I could.
exciting good race
It will be an exciting race to watch. It's good to be king.
gifted grow seen skater watched
He's probably the most gifted skater I've ever seen in my life. We battled each other for years. I watched him grow up.
beer drink exception fine guys late next rule stay taught
He's one of those guys who can drink a beer and be fine the next day. He can stay out late and be fine the next day. Every rule I've ever been taught about this sport, he's the exception to it. But he wins.
again enjoy kid time tough
I thought the first time was tough but getting here again is a miracle. I feel like a kid again. I keep asking, 'Did I do the right thing with everything I've sacrificed?' Now that I'm here I'm going to enjoy it.
fastest hurts skating stress summer talk
I went from skating my fastest times this summer to just being fatigued by the stress of the divorce. It really hurts when I can't talk to my daughter.