Background
Kimberly Derrick grew up on inline skates and, between the ages of 6 and 18, she dominated the women"s inline world, winning and placing in numerous National Championships.
Kimberly Derrick grew up on inline skates and, between the ages of 6 and 18, she dominated the women"s inline world, winning and placing in numerous National Championships.
At 18, Derrick switched to ice and took on the speedskating world with the same ferocity she did with inline competitions. During World Cup competition in the 2008-2009 season, Derrick earned three medals in the 1000m, including a gold. During the International Skating Union World Short Track Team Championships in the Netherlands, Derrick was part of the ladies team, earning a bronze medal overall.
Derrick is a converted inline skater and the first United States. Winter Olympian born in Arkansas.
She has lived in Arkansas, Tennessee, Ohio, Michigan and Utah. At Northern Michigan University, she majored in elementary education, and she would like to go into teaching one day.Derrick graduated from Northern Michigan University with a degree in elementary education.
2006 Winter Olympics
At the 2006 Winter Olympics, Derrick competed in the 1000 meters (in which she was eliminated in the quarterfinals) and the 3000 meter relay (in which her team finished fourth). Derrick became the first United States. Winter Olympian born in Arkansas.
Derrick"s grandfather died while in Turin to see her compete.
2010 Winter Olympics
Derrick didn"t make it past the heats in the 1000 and 1500 m races.
She was also part of the ladies relay team that won the gold medal in Dresden, Germany - the first time the United States. ladies have won gold in this event. Derrick is an instrumental part of the ladies relay team which won a silver medal at World Cup 3 in Montreal. However, Derrick won a bronze medal in the 3000 m relay (she only competed in the semifinals).
As a member of the 2006 United States. Olympic Team in Torino, Italy, Derrick realized her dream of making an Olympic team, and in September 2009, she earned a spot on the 2010 United States. Olympic Team.
