Derek Parra Quotations

I was looking at my life and feeling so thankful about what I have.

He just floats on his skates. It's like God lifted him up when he was born and said, 'You're going to be a skater.

I went from skating my fastest times this summer to just being fatigued by the stress of the divorce. It really hurts when I can't talk to my daughter.

I thought I had pretty good relations with them, but they said, 'We're not giving you any names. You're not taking any of our people. I think they should let them live their dream. Don't hold them back.

I thought the first time was tough but getting here again is a miracle. I feel like a kid again. I keep asking, 'Did I do the right thing with everything I've sacrificed?' Now that I'm here I'm going to enjoy it.

Those guys are skating fantastic. I'm here for the games and to perform my best. Once I get on the line, I hope to make some magic happen.

I skate with my heart. My family has been there with me for so many years. Now, that's all gone.

I've skated with my heart and my family for so many years and now that it is gone it has been really hard. Some days I'm OK. Some days I'm not. It's just difficult.

Some days I'm OK. Some days I'm not.

I've got to put this thing behind me for one day. If I can't, I won't be going to the Olympics.

It's been tough. I hope I can put things out of mind and try to make the team.

It took a load off her shoulders. I can't even imagine what it was like to carry around something like that all those years. Accomplishing what she did was pretty miraculous.

I know it was difficult for her. I was gone 12 hours a day.

He's one of those guys who can drink a beer and be fine the next day. He can stay out late and be fine the next day. Every rule I've ever been taught about this sport, he's the exception to it. But he wins.

He's probably the most gifted skater I've ever seen in my life. We battled each other for years. I watched him grow up.

The focus should be the medals. You can find a rivalry anywhere, the Dutch and Americans, the Italians and Americans. You just have to look for it. Americans should be proud of both of the men.

It's still the accomplishment; it's not about the medal. It's about the journey getting there, I think, and this symbolizes that journey.

There were times when I didn't think I could.

It will be an exciting race to watch. It's good to be king.