Olympic skaters got their start in GR

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (WOOD) - When the Olympic games begin in February, the West Michigan Speedskating Club can take great pride in what it’s done to help the U.S. Olympic Speedskating team. Two athletes who got their start with GRSC will represent the United States in the upcoming Vancouver Winter games.

Kimberly Derrick will compete in her second consecutive Winter Olympics in short-track speedskating. She was an accomplished in-line skater before making the switch to blades. Kimberly’s first experience on blades was with the Grand Rapids Speedskating club. She still stays in contact with some of the members, and she’s got a legitimate chance at winning a medal.

Mike Kooreman also got his start skating on rinks in Grand Rapids. He skated with the U.S. national short-track team for over a decade, and tried three times to qualify for the U.S. Olympic team, but just missed out.

Now he’s the assistant speed coach/team leader for the long track team. He’ll be in Vancouver living out an Olympic dream.

24 Hour News 8 will continue to spotlight West Michigan athletes as they prepare for Vancouver. They’ll be part of our Olympic Hopes, Gold Dreams show that will air before opening ceremonies.