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...
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.
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.
family skate
I skate with my heart. My family has been there with me for so many years. Now, that's all gone.
games guys hope magic perform skating
Those guys are skating fantastic. I'm here for the games and to perform my best. Once I get on the line, I hope to make some magic happen.
giving good hold relations taking
I thought I had pretty good relations with them, but they said, 'We're not giving you any names. You're not taking any of our people. I think they should let them live their dream. Don't hold them back.
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.
exciting good race
It will be an exciting race to watch. It's good to be king.
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.
hope mind
It's been tough. I hope I can put things out of mind and try to make the team.
There were times when I didn't think I could.
days
Some days I'm OK. Some days I'm not.
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.
feeling life looking thankful
I was looking at my life and feeling so thankful about what I have.
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.