Earlier this week Derek Parra emotionally announced to the skaters preparing for the Olympic trials the reason he’s been distracted recently. He’s getting a divorce. Some people remember his wife and newborn baby from the Salt Lake City Olympics. That was a happier time. Parra explained that recently he hasn’t been sleeping, has been having difficulty concentrating, and is overwhelmed by sadness. Apparently, in this case, confession is not only good for the soul, but for his skating times as well.
On Friday Parra qualified to compete in Turin in the 1500 meter race. In an interview earlier this week, Parra said that if he qualified for the Olympics he would briefly go home and pack his things. We wish him and his family all the best during this difficult time.
