Kimberly Derrick

Triple threat
After finishing the 2008-09 season as the top-ranked American woman, Kimberly Derrick is a medal contender in two events in her second Olympic appearance. She was ranked fifth in the world overall, as well as third in the 1000m and seventh in the 1500m, making it the best season of her career. In addition to the 1000m and 1500m, Derrick will skate in the 3000m relay.

Tragic turn
Derrick's Olympic debut was marred by tragedy, when her grandfather died while in Torino. Darrel Edwards, 74, suffered a heart attack after traveling to Torino to watch his granddaughter compete. Derrick was scheduled to compete the next day in the 1000m, her only individual event. She decided to compete, because she knew that was what her grandfather would have wanted. "He was my biggest fan, the one who held my hand while chasing my dream," she said. "He was and forever will be my pillar of strength.''

Overcome by emotions
In her quarterfinal heat, Derrick got off to an early lead, but fell back and was ultimately disqualified for impeding. "This was the most emotional day of my life,'' she said in a statement after the race. "I'm proud to be at the Olympics and at the same time, my heart hurts so much. When I got onto the ice I was overcome by emotions, but I knew I had to race.'' Later in the Games, Derrick finished fourth with the U.S. team in the 3000m relay.

Inlines to ice
Derrick began her career in inline skating. Because her parents owned roller rinks, Derrick was around the sport at an early age and by 16 she was a four-time world junior champion. She decided to switch to short track after watching two-time Olympic medalist Apolo Ohno compete at the Salt Lake Games. "I had accomplished about everything I could in inline skating," she said. "I figured why not give ice a try." Derrick made the transition quickly, qualifying for the World Cup team after just two years, making her debut in the 2005-06 season.

Big move
Derrick lives and trains in Salt Lake City, where most of the U.S. short track team is based. She moved in 2007, after four years in Marquette, Mich. Derrick says the weather is much better in Salt Lake, and laughs when people complain about the Utah winters, which are much more mild than in Michigan. "My first year in Marquette, it started snowing in September," she said.

Future plans
While in Marquette, Derrick graduated from Northern Michigan University with a degree in elementary education. She hopes to one day pursue a career a teacher. The lone sister in the Derrick clan, she has two older brothers and one younger brother.