SALT LAKE CITY, UT (March 22, 2007) \u2013 John Loquai always was the fastest skater on the ice when he played high school and Junior A hockey, a skill that once appeared would lead him to a scholarship at a major university.
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\nSix concussions killed that dream, and the member of First Covenant Church in Red Wing, Minnesota, thought his future on the rink was a thing of the past.<\/p>\n
![\"Skater\"](\"http:\/\/www.covchurch.org\/uploads\/UI\/Ym\/UIYmRmtP2ySrCPkUqaW9cg\/Skater-TR.jpg\")
He says God has helped him find a new dream: Loquai hopes to use his talent to capture a long-track speed skating medal in the 2010 Winter Olympics. In just three years, he has made the difficult, but remarkable transition from hockey hopeful to becoming a contender on the United States team.<\/p>\n
The sport barely rates a mention in the United States, but is hugely popular in Europe. Ten thousand fans attended a recent event in the Netherlands, and Loquai repeatedly was asked for his autograph. He also has competed before enthusiastic crowds in Germany and Russia.<\/p>\n
Loquai\u2019s father, John, suggested his son try the sport in 2004, but Loquai was reluctant at first. \u201cOnce I got out there, I was glad I did it and that he suggested it.\u201d<\/p>\n
He began in the summer by training on inline skates. \u201cThat was really difficult,\u201d he recalls. \u201cIt was a much easier transition when I got on the ice.\u201d He took quickly to the new ice skates, which are longer and thinner than what he wore for hockey.<\/p>\n
Loquai had the raw talent, and he was invited to train at the Utah Olympic Village in Salt Lake City. Since then, the 22-year-old has moved up the competitive ranks. In the 2006 U.S. Fall World Cup Qualifier, he finished in the top five and earned the right to represent his country in the fall World Cup Races. He now travels the international circuit and is focusing on the 1,000- and 1,500-meter races.<\/p>\n
The 2010 games seem far away, Loquai says, but he sets goals to achieve each year and focuses on the weekly competitions during the season. \u201cWhen I look back at it, the last year has gone by fast.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Skater\"](\"http:\/\/www.covchurch.org\/uploads\/KI\/_Q\/KI_QJIYkeriaRYTWH1zgCw\/Skater-LL.jpg\")
Loquai is pleased with his progress. \u201cI never thought I would get to this point this fast,\u201d he says as if the feat still surprises him.<\/p>\n
His times continue to drop, but Loquai still must shave several seconds from his times to hope for medals. \u201cIt\u2019s really hard when you look at the scoreboard and a tenth of a second separates you from five spots in the rankings.\u201d<\/p>\n
Loquai possesses the physical strength to win, but must hone his technique, which he says is the key to victory. Olympic medalist Shani Davis doesn\u2019t train with the team, but other members work out together at the Olympic Village. Loquai says he is grateful that team members, including standout Chad Hedrick, help each other.<\/p>\n
\u201cChad has probably been the biggest help for me,\u201d Loquai says. \u201cSince day one, he\u2019s been helping me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Competing against the best in the world as he travels to international competition also has proved beneficial. \u201cYou learn a lot just by watching them,\u201d Loquai says. \u201cYou learn your own flaws.\u201d<\/p>\n
Although Loquai continues to improve, finances pose one of the biggest obstacles to his success. U.S. speed skating pays for training and travel, but Loquai is responsible for all of his living expenses and the necessary high-priced equipment. Custom-fitted boots are $1,500 each, and that doesn\u2019t include the blade.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really tough,\u201d he says. \u201cYou pretty much struggle to get by.\u201d His parents have helped him financially as have supporters at the Red Wing church. In between twice-daily practice sessions, he washes cars at a Toyota dealership. \u201cThey\u2019ve been really good to me,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
He is seeking the almost requisite corporate sponsorship, also a time-consuming process. \u201cYou have to keep trying and something will come through. You do whatever it takes.\u201d<\/p>\n
They are words he repeats often, revealing his natural determination to succeed. \u201cI\u2019m really hard on myself,\u201d he says. \u201cI always want to be the best in everything. If you never stop trying, you\u2019ve never completely failed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Loquai says he has had to rely on more than his natural competitiveness to keep going. \u201cIf I didn\u2019t have faith in God, I wouldn\u2019t make it through,\u201d he explains. He also credits the Red Wing church with keeping him inspired. \u201cIt feels like they\u2019re really on my side to help me fulfill my dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n