Terrance Richard (Terry) McDermott
Speed Skating
Olympic Gold Medalist (1964)
Olympic Silver Medalist (1968)
National Speedskating Hall of Fame
Olympic Silver Medalist (1968)
National Speedskating Hall of Fame
Terrance Richard (Terry) McDermott
Speed Skater
Terry McDermott also known as “The Essexville Rocket” was born in Essexville, Michigan. During the 1964 Innsbruck Winter Olympics, McDermott was a surprise winner in the 500-meter race defeating the reigning Olympic champion to win the gold medal. McDermott competed in the 1968 Grenoble Olympics and finished second by.2 of a second earning the silver medal. He also competed in the 1960 Olympics but failed to medal. After his career was over, McDermott became a speed skating official. Terry McDermott was inducted into the National Speedskating Hall of Fame in 1977 and was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1972. He passed away on May 20, 2023 at 82 years of age.