USA Get First Gold Medal From Chad Hedrick

Get used to hearing his name. Chad Hedrick wins the first first gold medal for the USA of the 2006 Winter Olympics in the 5,000 meters in speedskating. He is attempting to break Eric Heiden's record of five gold medals in a Winter Olympics. An unbelievable feat if you realize it's only happened once since the Winter Games began in 1924.

He has been called the Paris Hilton of speedskating. Not because he's dumb as a rock. Instead he's cocky, confident, larger than life, and has a penchant for self promotion.

However he is an amazing talent. Just four years ago he was sitting at Las Vegas blackjack table watching speedskating at the Olympics. He was world champion in line skater. On television he saw Derek Parra, a former in line skating competitor, win his gold medal. He says $300 or $400 later, he called his mom and said he was going to the Olympics in speedskating. In 18 months he was the world all-around speedskating champion. Now he's on the edge of being a bonafide Olympic star. Skaters on the ice are amazed by his natural talent.

His nickname is "The Exception". Teammate and friend Derek Parra gave him that nickname and sums it up the best.

"He's the exception to every rule. 'Don't drink before you skate,' Chad will do it and he'll win. 'Don't eat greasy food the night before,' Chad will do it and he'll win. Whatever the rule is, he's the exception."

Sounds like he could "Drink like a champion" just like Ben Roethlisberger. Party hard and skate harder. That sounds like the American way.

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