Jennifer Rodriguez

Jennifer Rodriguez
The Facts
  • 2002 Olympic Bronze Medalist - 1,500 meters
  • 2002 Olympic Bronze Medalist - 1,000 meters
  • 2004-05 World Sprint Champion
  • Holder of five American Records
  • 2003-04 World Cup Champion - 1,000 meters
  • Hometown: Miami, FL
  • Birth date: 6/8/76
  • Ht/Wt: 5'4” - 127 lbs.
Points of Interest
  • Rodriguez is the first Cuban-American in history to compete and medal in the Olympic Winter Games.
  • Rodriguez has won 33 World Cup medals since the 2002 Olympics.
  • She is the first winter Olympian born and raised in Miami.
  • Rodriguez is now working to join the U.S. cycling team and become only the 8th Olympian to compete in two sports.
The Story

Jennifer Rodriguez's rise to the top of the speed skating world was remarkable. In fewer than 18 months, she made the transition from never having ice-skated before to a fourth place finish at the premier sporting event of the world: the Olympic Games (1998). Although a relative newcomer to the ice at that time, Jen was no stranger to skating. She grew up on roller skates, both as a figure and speed roller skater.

At the 2002 U.S. Olympic Trials, Jen became the first American woman in history to earn a spot on the team in all five events. At the 2002 Olympics, she left an indelible mark, becoming the first Cuban-American to win an Olympic medal, winning two bronze medals.

The 2004-2005 speedskating season brought more of the same. Rodriguez captured 14 more medals, set two new track records, was twice named USA Today's 'Athlete of the Week' and became the 2005 World Sprint Champion. She currently holds five different American Records and four track records.