Derek Parra, the 2002 Hispanic Heritage Awards Honoree for Sports, was the first Mexican-American to compete and win an Olympic Medal, proving that dreams can come true.

In his native California, Derek skated in relative anonymity. After being noticed at a local roller skating rink, he began training as an in-line speed skater. At 17, inspired by an invitation to train in Florida, he finished high school early, and moved across the country. Struggling to make ends meet, Derek worked the early morning shift with a local fast food vendor and leftover breakfast food became his primary meal of the day. With hard work and dedicated training Derek soon became the most decorated competitor in speed roller-skating.

In 1996, with the dream of winning an Olympic medal, he began training on the ice. Within a few weeks, he captured two medals at the National Championship, and received an invitation to join the US National Team. At age 32, Derek won the Silver Medal in the 5,000-meter race, setting the new world record. He then broke his own record with his Gold Medal finish in the 1,500-meter event.

Derek has embraced his position as a role model by serving on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, and by endorsing a national campaign that provides information about homeownership in public libraries.