Derek, 31, 5'4" and 140 pounds, hails from San Bernardino, California. Before he took to the ice, Derek was the top inline skater in the world: a three-time national champion; twice overall world champion; world record-holder at 1,500M and 42M; and the most decorated athlete at the 1995 Pan-Am Games (five gold, two silver, and a bronze medal). In an amazing turnabout, Derek switched sports from roller skating to ice skating (speed skating) in 1996, and qualified as a member of the 1998 U.S. Olympic Speed Skating Team.
As part of the sponsorship, Derek, a chiropractic advocate and patient, will wear the ACA logo on his uniform, and will help promote ACA and the chiropractic profession through media and public relations opportunities and personal appearances.
"I've always believed in chiropractic care," Derek said. "I've used a lot of other treatments for injuries and pain, but the problem doesn't get fixed until I go to a chiropractor. I tell other athletes about chiropractic care, too."
Parra won his first international medal (a silver) at the World Single Distance Speed Skating Championships on March 9, 2001 in Salt Lake City. He became the first U.S. male speed skater to medal at the event since its inception in 1996. His time of 1.46.20 in the 1,500-meter race was an American record. Adne Sondral of Norway edged out Parra by .1 seconds to win the gold medal.
"Words can't explain it for me right now," an elated Parra said at the news conference following his American record. "I felt in control the whole race, which is something I have not felt all year. I felt solid. I can't describe how good it feels to be on the podium. Finally, after all of these years."
ACA's sponsorship of Parra has been made possible by the generous support of the ACA Auxiliary, which contributes to the profession in many ways: chiropractic scholarships (in conjunction with the American Chiropractic Foundation); helps fund the colleges and libraries; contributes to the ACA's legal action fund; and has donated to help fund an FCER research project.
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