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Shelley Osterloh ReportingDerek Parra became one of the stars of the 2002 Olympics when he won silver and gold medals. He is competing tonight in the 1500 meter race, the one in which he earned gold. And though he is not considered a medal contender, one of his close friends is.
The world may have been watching Derek Parra win gold in 2002, but it had a profound impact on one man who decided at that moment he wanted to win a gold medal too.
Chad Hedrick, US Speedskater: "So ya know, I'm watching the Olympics, I'm in Las Vegas playing Black Jack, and the next thing I know, Derek Parra won the Olympics. So I packed up all my stuff and within two weeks I was living in Salt Lake City."
Chad Hedrick was a world champion in-line skater who, growing up, often competed against Parra.
Chad Hedrick US Speedskater: "We were never really close because we were rivals, but at the same time we really respected each other."
But they are close now and train together. In Salt Lake City they often do as many as 50 miles on in-line skates, sometimes going 40 miles an hour through city streets. Hedrick was already a well-conditioned athlete, but it was Parra who taught him the strategy of Speedskating.
At a World Cup event at the Utah Olympic Oval, Chad Hedrick set a world Record and it was Derek he thanked.
Chad Hedrick, US Speedskater: "You know, Derek and I had a special moment here today. And all the things that he's taught me, all the experiences he's had before that he has passed on to me and sort of let his guard down and opened himself up as friend."
Derek Parra, US Speedskater: "He came up to me crying and said, 'Thanks, thanks for being there, wouldn't be there without you,' and we both feel the same way. He's helped me through some hard times right now in my life and it's nice to see him skate well."
Parra has overcome the pain of his impending divorce to make the team and try to defend his gold medal in the 1500 meter. And he'll do it against, and in a way alongside, his teammate Chad Hedrick.
Hedrick already won gold in the 5000 meter and tonight both men will skate in the 1500 meter race. Shani Davis, another Olympic Gold medalist is in there too. Should be interesting.
