sharky
New Yorker
KEARNS, Utah -- Derek Parra carried a different banner Tuesday, wrapping himself in a faded American flag that symbolized his unlikely journey and all the people who helped him reach the top of the Olympic medal stand.
Parra won a speedskating gold medal with a world record in the 1,500 meters, then grabbed the Stars and Stripes that belonged to his late grandfather for the victory lap.
Parra's grandfather, who died two years ago, was one of the first people he thought about after winning a surprising silver in the 5,000 on Feb. 9.
The flag is taller than the 5-foot-4 Parra, who clutched it with his coach, Bart Schouten, and skated around the ice accompanied by the U2 song, "Elevation."
Parra won a speedskating gold medal with a world record in the 1,500 meters, then grabbed the Stars and Stripes that belonged to his late grandfather for the victory lap.
Parra's grandfather, who died two years ago, was one of the first people he thought about after winning a surprising silver in the 5,000 on Feb. 9.
The flag is taller than the 5-foot-4 Parra, who clutched it with his coach, Bart Schouten, and skated around the ice accompanied by the U2 song, "Elevation."
