U.S. speedskater Chad Hedrick says he's now a better competitor

KEARNS — An Olympic gold medal couldn't do it. Nor could 50 in-line skating World Championships. It took the love of a smiling baby girl to finally sooth the soul of U.S. speedskater Chad Hedrick.

Before switching to speedskating in 2004, Hedrick was the most successful in-line skater with 50 world championships and 93 national titles. He was a pioneer who not only dominated his sport, but helped it evolve.

He was nicknamed "The Exception" by friends for his ability to go from in-line skating to speedskating so successfully. Just two years after making the transition, he represented the U.S. in the 2006 Winter Olympics. There he won three medals, including one gold in the 5,000-meter event.

Success for the plain-spoken Texan wasn't without controversy. He publicly feuded with U.S. teammate Shani Davis, after Davis decided not to participate in the Team Pursuit in Torino, Italy. The rift served neither skater well and then, after the Olympics, he announced his retirement.

"I gave up after 2006," Hedrick said.

The knowledge that he was still one of the world's best speedskaters gnawed at him, prompting him to eventually return to the sport in 2008. That was, coincidentally, the same year he got married to Lynsey Adams. In marriage and as a father, he found peace and faith that he said has helped him be a better man and, in turn, a better competitor.

He has mended his relationship with Davis and talks openly about the transformation that he's undergone.

"It's a different Chad these days," said a grinning Hedrick after completing the last World Cup for long track speedskaters last weekend at the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns. "I'm a family guy. I have a whole different approach to life. I am much more content. ... That doesn't mean I'm not going to work hard and try to overtake (teammate Shani Davis)."

Having such a strong team will only make all of the U.S. skaters stronger.

"Americans have to love the two of us lining up for them," he said. "It's still Shani vs. Chad, but on a lot different terms."

Hedrick qualified to race the 1,000, 1,500, 5,000 and 10,000 meters, as well as Team Pursuit. Technically, he could still qualify for the 500 meters at team races the last week of December. It's more likely he'll pare down the list of events, though. Athletes must accept or decline the spot by Dec. 24.

"We'll have a couple of practice races, and I should be able to decide on the other distances," he said, noting he's certain he'll compete in the 1,500 meters.

Hedrick shrugs off suggestions that being so focused on his family and faith will cost him that competitive edge that has made him both a world champion and an Olympic champion.

"I wasn't a family man before, and now I am," he said. "I am really focused on speedskating as well as I can when I get to Vancouver."

Hedrick said he's confident going into training that will take him to Vancouver.

"I actually like my chances in Vancouver better than here," he said. "When we get to Vancouver, it's going to be completely different because of the ice."

Hedrick said he's also working with a sports psychologist trying to keep that balance between the physical and mental aspects of the sport.

Most importantly, Hedrick hopes to savor his last Olympic experience with those who will share the rest of his life — sans ice.

"The Olympics is a time to make memories with my family," he said of his extra motivation to do well. "One day my daughter is going to ask me what I was doing skating around on knives. It's a special time for us, and we're going to enjoy it — because we're going to be living in Houston next April."

Chad Hedrick

Birthdate: April 17, 1977

Hometown: Spring, Texas

Family: Wife, Lynsey, and daughter, Hadley

Accomplishments: 2006 Olympian; Gold medal (5,000 meters), silver medalist (10,000 meters), and bronze medalist (1,500 meters). With 50 in-line skating world championships and 93 in-line skating national championships, he is the most accomplished in-line skater ever. He originated the in-line skating technique called the double push that revolutionized the sport.

Interesting tidbit: Has raised more than $200,000 for the Special Olympics.

Unusual sponsor: He just signed with Pampers, thanks to his daughter, Hadley.

e-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com