Jonathan Garcia

Jonathan Garcia was born December 14, 1986, and grew up in Katy, Texas, in the Houston metropolitan area.[2] In 1994, he began inline skating at age 7.[3] He graduated from Katy Taylor High School in 2005.[2]

In 2004, Garcia won his first national championship in inline speed skating and was named Inline Skater of the Year.[2][4] He subsequently made three world teams and won a bronze medal at the 2006 Inline World Championships in Korea.[3] In 2007, Garcia represented the United States at the 2007 Pan American Games. He finished fifth overall in the distance contest after placing third in the 20,000-meter elimination, sixth in the 10,000 meters, and fifth in the 15,000 meters.[5]

Jonathan Garcia and Joey Mantia warm up for an inline competition in 2007

In 2006, Garcia watched fellow Texan and former inline skater Chad Hedrick win three gold medals at the Olympics. Hendricks' wins inspired Garcia to make the transition to speed skating in hopes of making an Olympic team.[2] To pursue his dream, Garcia moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, in 2007 to begin training on the ice.[2] After a season of training, he decided he was best suited for short track.[3] In 2010, he made the United States World Cup team and won the national 3000-meter title. He competed in the 2010 short track Olympic trials, finishing 14th overall.[6] In 2011, Garcia won the national 1000-meter time trials.[4]

In 2012, Garcia transitioned to long track speed skating amidst turmoil within the short track team.[7] He made the long track World Cup team that same year and represented the United States at the 2013 Long Track World Sprint Championship.[6]

As the United States Olympic Trials in December 2013, Garcia turned in time of 34.85s, 0.29 better than his personal best, in his second 500-meter race. His combined time from two skates placed him fourth, and Garcia appeared to qualify for the 2014 Winter Olympics.[8] However, he had failed to wear a transponder, which serves as a third timing device in some races, on his ankle. Garcia's time was disallowed as a result. He was granted a re-skate, but his re-skate time was good enough for only sixth place, outside qualifying position. "Today was tough, especially because I qualified that fourth spot," Garcia remarked.[9] "I know I was good enough to be on the team. That’s something nobody can take away from me," he added.[9] Shani Davis, who claimed the fourth spot after Garcia's disqualification remarked "I was really pulling for Garcia to pull through and make the spot, even if it knocked me off the team ... I want the best skaters to go."[8]

Jonathan Garcia practices his short track skating

The following day, Garcia skated in the 1000-meter event where he was given "no chance" to qualify by many commentators.[2] Garcia, however, turned in a career best 1:07.95 and moved into fourth place with several skaters remaining. No one who came after Garcia bettered his time, allowing him to qualify for the Olympics. "I was definitely doing some praying after my race," he said. "Not to sound weird or cocky, but I kind of feel like I already made the team yesterday."[7] After qualifying, he skated a celebratory lap holding the timing transponders above his head "[you] might as well be able to make fun of yourself," he commented.[7]

Garcia is coached by Ryan Shimabukuro. He currently competes in the 500-meter, 1000-meter, and 1500-meter long track events. He lists his turns as his greatest speed skating strength.[6]

As of 2013, Garcia lives in Salt Lake City. When he is not speed skating, he plays soccer competitively. Garcia lists listening to music and playing guitar as his favorite hobbies. He calls Michael Jordan his greatest influence.[6]

• Personal website of Jonathan Garcia
• Official profile at US Speed Skating