Stephen Paul is the first Speed Skater from India to qualify for the Olympic World Cup, and he trains in Salt Lake city at the Utah Olympic Oval.Paul began inline skating at the age of eight, but four-and-a-half years ago decided to switch to speed skating in hopes of making it to the Olympics.He chose to train in Salt Lake City due to the success of athletes and programs here, saying Salt Lake has the best ice in the world.
In the past four years, Paul has improved from Top 50, to Top 40, 30, ten, and last year finished in the Top Five of the American Cup (the top three went to the 2014 Olympics for the United States). This year, he has been 100% dedicated to the sport, quitting his job to stay focused, and has been working on his mental health.
Coaches
- Tucker Fredricks (2014-Present),
- Derek Parra and K.D. Todd (2012-2014),
- Abbas Iqbal Lasania (2002-2012)
TOTAL MEDALS WON DURING THE YEARS 2000 – 2017
| S.No | PLACES | GOLD | SILVER | BRONZE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | National | 6 | 9 | 2 |
| 2 | Open National | 6 | 4 | 5 |
| 3 | South zone | 5 | – | – |
| 4 | State | 18 | 7 | 2 |
| 5 | District | 32 | 9 | 3 |
| Total | 67 | 29 | 12 |