Derek Parra, Eisenhower graduate of 1988, is going to the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. He will be the first Mexican-American to compete in the Winter Olympics in speedskating.
Originally from the westside of San Bernardino, Parra was a world class inline skater. He has 18 gold medals to prove it. After making the switch to speedskating, his rigorous training habits helped him overcome his difference in size and lack of experience.
Now, in Utah, Parra will be competing in the 5000 and 1500 meter races. Eisenhower High School wishes him good luck.