In 1984 Derek began roller skating and by 1996 he had become the most decorated athlete in the history of the sport

In 1984 Derek began roller skating and by 1996 he had become the most decorated athlete in the history of the sport. As an inliner he was a three-time national champion, two-time overall World Champion, two-time World record-holder (1500m and 42K) and earned eighteen individual gold medals. He was the most decorated athlete at 1995 Pan-Am Games winning 5 gold, 2 silver and a bronze medal (pictured above). He had everything but an Olympic Medal. So in 1996, he switched from inlines to ice skates to chase after that medal. Just two years later he earned a spot on the 1998 US Olympic Team. Today, he is a two-time US National Allround Champion, holder of two American Records, and the reigning North American Champion. He is now the most dominant Allround speedskater in the United States.

on the ice...

2001 North American Champion
2001 US National Champion
2000 US National Allround Champion
2000 US National Champion - 1500m, 10,000m
1999 US National Champion - 5000m
1998 US Olympic Team Member: 5000m
12 time US National Championships medalist
5 time US National Team member
4 time US World Team member

on inlines...

2 time Overall World Champion
2 time World Record Holder
Most decorated athlete at a single Pan Am Games: 8 medals - 5 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze
1994 US Olympic Committee Athlete of the Year

Personal Best Times:
500m	35.88
1000m	1:09.04
1500m	1:43.95
3000m	3:51.82
5000m	6:17.98
10,000m	13:45.01
Long Samalog	154.009 points

Born: March 15, 1970
Hometown: San Bernardino, CA
Height: 5'4"
Weight: 140 lb..

Hobbies:Golf, basketball, tennis, volleyball...any and every sport that gets your friends together for some fun.

Other:Credits his success to the fact that he actually enjoys training. Considers his "beating the odds" and getting to where he is today as greatest accomplishment...it is a "far cry from Southern California," says Parra...in addition lists friendships made while competing a great accomplishment...strongest influence is family, friends, and faith...when off the ice enjoys spending time with wife, reading the Bible, and working at Home Depot...after speedskating career is complete would like to move to Orlando, continue education, and start a family...enjoys many types of music, movies, and books...favorite food is Italian/Mexican...loves talking with others and teaching...always eats a pack of Fig Newtons the night before the race.