HOUSTON – As the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games wrap up this weekend, it’s time to reflect back on Houston-area athletes who have made the biggest impact in past Winter Olympics.
It doesn’t take long to realize the number one athlete on that list is Spring native Chad Hedrick, who competed in not one but two Olympic Games in speed skating.
In short, Hedrick was — and remains — the ultimate Olympic feel-good story in Houston.
While growing up in Klein and ultimately graduating from Klein High School, it was inline skating that was Hedrick’s passion, eventually becoming a national champion. Then came the shift to the ice and a transition to speed skating, and the rest of his story is one for the ages.
Hedrick adapted quickly, and by the 2006 Winter Olympics he was on Team USA, where he excelled and won three medals, including a gold. Four years later, Hedrick was back again, winning two more medals in the 2010 Winter Olympics before announcing his retirement.
Walking away for good wasn’t easy.
Every step of the way has been his wife, Lynsey. The two met and began dating when Chad’s Olympic journey first began, and now they are proud parents of three kids.
These days, Chad is a successful real estate company owner, while he and Lynsey are raising their family in Montgomery. He admits he’s far removed now from the sport, but the experience has made him a better man, father, and husband.