Oak Parker Wins Speed Skating Gold at Special Olympics in Korea

Oak Park can now claim yet another Olympic athlete as one of its own.

Patrick McCarthy, 23, an Oak Park native and resident at Misericordia in Chicago, took home a gold and bronze medal in Korea recently at the Special Olympic World Games.

McCarthy won the gold in the 777-meter race for speed skating on Feb. 2. In addition, he took home a bronze in the 500-meter race and finished in fourth place in the 333-meter race.

McCarthy has been a resident at Misericordia Heart of Mercy Home since 2010. Misericordia, located on Chicago's north side, supports over 600 kids and adults with developmental disabilities. According to the agency, McCarthy, who has Down Syndrome, has been an active participate in Special Olympics since he was eight-years-old. In addition to speed skating, he's also a member of the Misericordia Special Olympics team in golf, basketball and power lifting.

McCarthy got his start on the ice in August 2000, playing with the Tomahawks—a special needs hockey team sanctioned by the Amateur Hockey Association Illinois. He began speed skating in hopes of improving his hockey skills, but soon found that it was a perfect fit. He currently trains with the Evanston Speed Skating Club.

At the Special Olympics World Games, which ran from Jan. 29 through Feb. 5, McCarthy beat his personal best in the semi-final round by 11 seconds, which put him in first place and advanced him into the finals. In the finals, he was able to shave off yet another four seconds to take home the gold.

We can't wait to talk with McCarthy when he gets home, but for now, congratulations on bringing home the gold!

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