Jonathan Garcia

Jonathan Garcia (born December 14, 1986) is an American former speed skater and ice hockey coach. Garcia began his skating career as an inline speed skater, winning his first national title in 2004. He represented the United States three times in the World Championships, winning a bronze medal in 2006.

In 2007, he represented the United States at the Pan American Games before transitioning to short track speed skating on the ice.

In 2010, Garcia made the short track World Cup team, won a national title. He finished 14th at the 2010 Olympic Trials. Garcia won a second national title in 2011 before transitioning to long-track speed skating. He made the World Cup team in 2012 and the World Championships in 2013.

At the 2014 Olympic Trials, Garcia appeared to qualify for the team in the 500-meter sprint, only to have his time disallowed due to his failure to wear a backup timing device. The following day, Garcia made the Olympic team by finishing fourth in the 1000-meter event.

Early life Jonathan Garcia was born on December 14, 1986, and grew up in Katy, Texas, in the Houston metropolitan area. He graduated from Katy Taylor High School in 2005.

Sporting career In 2004, Garcia won his first national championship in inline speed skating and was named Inline Skater of the Year. He subsequently made three world teams and won a bronze medal at the 2006 Inline World Championships in Korea.

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.

At the United States Olympic Trials in December 2013, Garcia turned in a 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. 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 the qualifying position. "Today was tough, especially because I qualified for that fourth spot," Garcia remarked. 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."

Garcia was coached by Ryan Shimabukuro. He competed in the 500-meter, 1000-meter, and 1500-meter-long track events. He lists his turns as his greatest speed skating strength.

Personal life 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.