Olympic Speed Skater Hopes To Inspire Texas Athletes

Jonathan Garcia of Houston looks forward to participating in the 2018 Winter Olympic Games.

By César Lopez-LinaresFebruary 9, 2018 11:01 am,

At seven years old, Jonathan Garcia knew he wanted to be a speed skater. 23 years later he’s on his way to Pyeongchang as a member of the 2018 U.S. Winter Olympic team.

“It’s something I’m extremely passionate about,” he says. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”

There aren’t a lot of Texas athletes at the Winter Olympics. But Garcia believes with more exposure, there is a potential for Texans to get more involved.

“I’m hoping that I can inspire somebody from Texas that would like to do a Winter Olympic sport,” he says. “Hopefully I can be proof that anything is possible.”

Two of Garcia’s best memories include making his first Olympic team in 2014 and walking into opening ceremonies in Sochi, Russia.

“It’s something that very few people will ever get to experience,” he says. “I’ll cherish it forever.”

Written by Jeremy Steen.