Chad Hedrick: Early Life, Controversy & Net worth
Of course, you might have heard about Chad Hedrick if you love speed skating. Hedrick is an American inline ice speed skater and speed skater.
Undoubtedly, he has a total of five Olympics medals under his name. Naturally, therefore, he is regarded as one of the most proficient skaters in the history.
In addition to this, Hedrick has a comparable collection of podium appearances as well.
Likewise, he is also famously nicknamed The Paris Hilton of Speedskating for his partying tendencies and The Exception for his easy transition from inline to speedskating and unorthodox training.
So, how well do you know about this speed skater? In this article, you will find the detailed information about Hedrick.
Quick Facts
Here are some amazing quick facts about Chad Hedrick:
| Name | Chad Hedrick |
| Nickname/Celebrated Name | The Paris Hilton of Speedskating The Exception |
| Date of Birth | April 17, 1977 |
| Age | 47 Years Old |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Birthplace | Spring, Texas, United States |
| Parents | Father’s name- Paul Hedrick Mother’s name- Wanda Hedrick |
| Siblings | Natalie Hedrick |
| Wife | Lynsey Elizabeth Adams Hedrick |
| Children | Hadley Hedrick (Daughter) Harper Hedrick (Daughter) Hogan Hedrick (Son) |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in |
| Weight | 78 kg (172lbs) |
| Body Type | Athletic |
| Eye Color | Light Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Skin | Fair |
| High School | Not available |
| University | Not available |
| Profession | Speed Skater |
| Current Status | Retired |
| Years Active | 2001-2010 |
| Achievements & Titles | Personal Bests 500m: 35.52 (2009), 1000m: 1:07.33 (2009), 1500m: 1:42.14 (2009), 3000m: 3:39.02(2005), 5000m:6:09.68 (2005), 10000m:12:55.11 (2005) |
| Skills | Double Push or DP |
| Brand | DP52 Racing |
| Featured TV Show | “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway“ |
| Net worth | $18 million |
| Social Media | Twitter, Instagram |
| Merch | Signed FDC COA Olympic Cut, US Olympic Gold Silver Bronze Speed Skater Signed |
| Last update | April 2024 |
Chad Hedrick: Early Life, Education, and Parents
Chad Hedrick was born on 17th April of 1977 in Texas, United States.
Hedrick was born to Paul Hedrick and Wanda Hedrick. Likewise, he grew up with his younger sister Natalie Hedrick.
Sadly, there is no information on his family members and his education as well.
However, interestingly, he was just two when he first began his skating. Soon after, he began skating at his parents’ skating rink.
In addition, he was just sixteen when he won the National Championships.
Therefore, it is confirmed that he began his career at an early age.
Chad Hedrick: Body Measurements
Former ice speed skater has managed to keep his appearance and body perfect. Clearly, he has an athletic body.
Evidently, no one can guess that he is in his forties.
Likewise, Hedrick stands 5 ft 10 in (1.78m) tall and weighs around 78 kg (172lbs).
Despite this weight, he is as light as a feather during his performance.
Similarly, his hair color is black. Furthermore, his eyes color is light brown. In addition, he has fair skin.
Lastly, April’s born skater zodiac sign is Aries.
Chad Hedrick: Wife and Children
Hedrick and his long-time girlfriend, Lynsey Elizabeth Adams, tied a knot on June 7, 2008. Moreover, the couple got married in Houston, Texas.
Likewise, the couple’s wedding featured Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?, the Style network reality show.
Similarly, the couple was blessed with their first daughter Hadley in March 2009.
Likewise, they welcomed their second daughter Harper in December 2010.
In addition, they had their third child in 2014, a son named Hogan.
Chad Hedrick: Career
Speed Skating
Hedrick professionally kicked off his career in 2001. Initially, he was a speed skater.
However, he switched to ice speed skating after seeing his fellow inline skater Derek Pararra win a medal at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.
Likewise, he won the 50th 2002 World Championships in Ostend, Belgium.
Interestingly, he won the 2004 world Allround Speed Skating Championships after a year and a half.
Moreover, in the competition, he managed to reduce the world record points to 150.478.
Similarly, he won the 5,000 meters in the 2004 World Single Distance Championships held in Seoul, South Korea.
Moreover, he defended his 5000 meters world title in Inzell, Germany, in 2005.
However, sadly, the skater lost his title to Shani Davis in the 2005 World Allround Speed Skating.
Additionally, he set six world records as the first man to skate 6.2 miles in history within thirteen minutes.
However, sadly, it was later on broken by other skaters.
Despite all of these facts, he is currently 3rd in the unofficial world record.
Post-Torino
Hedrick won the 2006 World Cup 1,500 meters event on March 5, 2006.
Likewise, he participated in the World Allround Championships in Calgary to regain his title, which he lost to Davis in 2005.
However, sadly, he made a crucial mistake midway through the race and turned into the inner lane instead of his scheduled outer and was motioned off some laps later.
Clearly, all he needed to beat Davis was by 8.32 seconds.
Olympics Games
Interestingly, Hedrick proclaimed that he would equal Eric Heiden’s five gold medals in the Winter Olympics 2006 in Turin.
However, he only won the gold medal at this Olympics at the 5,000 meters, followed by his Dutch rival Sven Kramer who claimed the silver medal.
Likewise, he grabbed the silver medal in the 10,000 meters and the bronze medal in 1,500 meters in the 2006 winter Olympics.
Furthermore, Hedrick was qualified for the 1000m, 1500m, 5000m, and the long-track team in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
However, he could not win the gold medal in this Olympics.
Sadly, he lost to Havard Bokko in the final pair of the 5,000 meters event. However, he won the bronze in the 1,000 meters event.
Additionally, Hedrick’s team won the silver medal.
Chad Hedrick: Awards and Achievements
World Games
Interestingly, Hedrick has won three gold medals and one bronze medal in the World games event.
He won a bronze in the 2001 Akito 300 meter time trial.
Likewise, the skater won the gold medal in 2001 Akito’s 500-meter sprint, 10,000-meter points, and 15,000-meter points elimination.
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World Championships
At a glance, the exception has won three gold medals, one silver medal, and two bronze medals in the different events of the World Championships.
He won the gold medals in 2004 Hamar Allround, 2004 Seoul 5000m, and 2005 Inzell 5000m events.
Likewise, he won the silver medal in the 2005 Moscow Allround. In addition, Chad grabbed bronze medals in 2004 Seoul 10000m and 2005 Inzell 10000m.
Olympics Games
In the 2006 Winter Olympics, the Paris Hilton of speedskating won a gold medal in 5000m.
Likewise, he won a silver medal in 10000m and a bronze medal in 1500m.
Furthermore, in the 2010 Winter Olympics, he a gold medal in the 5000m event.
In addition, the player won a silver medal in Team Pursuit and a bronze medal in 100m.
Chad Hedrick: Controversy
Chad Hedrick caused a stir in the 2006 Winter Olympics when he said that his fellow United States skater Shani Davis should have been part of the pursuit team instead of him.
Likewise, Eric Heiden, a five-time Olympic gold medalist, stated that Davis made the right decision not to participate in the pursuit team event.
He said that Davis would have been a gold medalist if he participated in the event.
However, eventually, Davis won the gold medal in the 1000 meters, whereas Hedrick finished in sixth.
Chad Hedrick: Accidents
Unfortunately, Chadrek once broke his collarbone when he hit a squirrel while skating 25-30 mph on inline skating during training.
Apart from this, he has not been a part of any intense accidents.
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Chad Hedrick: Retirement
Regrettably, everything must come to an end, and just like that, Chad announced his retirement in 2010, at the age of 33. Decidedly, he retired after his final game in the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Following his retirement, he stated that he wants to share his drive with his kids and lead them to follow their passions.
Despite his retirements, he appears publicly around the country. Similarly, with his recent newfound faith in God, he speaks at the churches.
Furthermore, he hopes that he can inspire the children by passing on the lessons he has learned.
Likewise, as of a recent update, he is engaged as a real estate advisor as well.
Chad Hedrick: Philanthropy
Chadrek, with his wife Lynsey, established the “The Chad Hedrick Foundation” in 2006.
The foundation attempts bold, philanthropic fundraising moves for all the children dreaming of athletic perfection.
Likewise, he joined the Special Olympics volunteer team as a coach and a mentor.
Interestingly., it raises over $400,000 for charity. Moreover, since 2006 he has been continuously supporting the team.
Similarly, he also supports other charities through the “Go For the Gold” Golf Tournament held annually at the Woodforest Golf Club.
Chad Hedrick: Net worth
It can be assumed that through his decade-long skating career, he has earned good fortune.
As of the current update, he is a licensed realtor working for eXp realty which is also helping him add a considerable amount to his net worth.
Interestingly, Chad Hedrick’s net worth is estimated to be around $18 million.
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Chad Hedrick: Social Media
Hedrick is vividly active on Twitter. He has over 15k followers on his account.
Seeing his account, he shares a lot about his real estate advising contents. Likewise, he is on Twitter since April 2009.
Moving on to Instagram, he has over 12k followers on his account.
Furthermore, he shares content related to his personal life to let his fan have a closer look into his life after the retirement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is the best speed skater of all time?
Eric Heiden is regarded as one of the greatest speed skaters of all and one of the greatest athletes of all time.
How many championships has Chad Hedrick won throughout his career?
Interestingly, Hedrick has managed to win about fifty World Championships and nearly 93 National Championships throughout his career.
