A speed skater from Denton, Texas is on his way to the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. Jordan Malone qualified for the U.S. short track speed skating team back in September, and then went on to win the only U.S. medal at the ISU Short Track World Cup in Seoul. Malone took the silver medal after fending off one of three tough Korean skaters.

At the beginning of October, Malone was ranked fifth in the world.

The big question: how did someone who grew up in 100 degree Texas heat get so good at skating on ice?

Malone didn't always compete on ice. In Denton, Malone was a champion inline skater. He was a 14-time world champion and 19-time national champion in inline skating. Although he loved inline, he also dreamed of winning Olympic gold. In 2003, he made the transition to speed skating.

It didn't take long for Malone to become a force on ice. He has excelled in the 1000m and 1500m events.

Despite early success on the ice, Malone's speed skating journey has not been without setbacks thanks to a handful of injuries. He broke his ankle a month prior to the 2006 Trials which prevented him from making the Torino-bound team. Later, he also slammed into the side boards during a fall in a spot where there wasn't any padding, and suffered serious facial injuries.

Malone is now injury free and has his sights set on Vancouver and Olympic gold!