OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KFOR) - Former University of Central Oklahoma football player Derek Loccident talked to News 4 after winning two Silver medals in the 2024 Paralympics.
"I want to give a shoutout to my boys back home at UCO who have their first home game against Langston tonight (Saturday)," said Loccident.
UCO won against Langston 72-to-0.
Loccident won the silver medal in the men's T64 long jump and high jump.
This was the first Paralympic games he's been a part of and he said it's not going to be his last.
"I am definitely going to be training and preparing to do even better for LA 2028," said Loccident.
Former UCO football player Derek Loccident lost his leg in a horrible accident in 2018, but miraculously recovered and was back on the football field within a year playing with a prosthetic leg. Now, six years after that life-altering day, Derek is representing Team USA in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.
"It's been four or five years since and what I've been able to do throughout those years and sitting here as a Paralympian and as a medalist, it's amazing. I have nothing to complain about," said Loccident.
When asked what or who he thanks for getting to where he is today, he said family, friends, and the teammates/coaches he's had through the years.
"Big shoutouts to my coach Coach Kris Mack. He's helped me throughout the last year and a half getting me ready for the games. He's helped me balance each day with each event on a day-in and day-out basis. He's been a big reason for my success here," said Loccident.
Loccident also credits his success to his mother who has been by his side for years throughout it all.
Westmoore High School gave a shoutout to Loccident last week on social media after his first win. Loccident graduated from Westmoore.
"JAGUAR PROUD of Westmoore Alumni Derek Loccident! He is one of only 54 United States Paralympics Track and Field athletes representing the United States in the 2024 Paris Paralympics, and he is now a Men’s Long Jump SILVER MEDALIST!"
Westmoore High School
At the end of the interview, Loccident gave a shoutout to the UCO football team who won in their first home game against Langston University Saturday night.
"Shoutout to the football team honestly. Shoutout to Coach Nick Bobeck, Coach Russ Pickett, Colton Lindsey, Addison Staggs, Colton Right, Marshal Thompson, Hank Humphers, Josh Morgan, and just to all my boys/teammates that were with me at UCO that year," said Loccident.
What would you want to say to those who went through something tragic like what you did and want to achieve what you have? As a role model to them.
"I'm one of y'all, if you are someone going through it and wanting to get there, just know you are amazing," said Loccident.
Loccident then pointed to his support system as a way to achieve more.
"When I had my accident, so many people I didn't know came out to my side and supported me throughout the whole thing for months. They sent me messages and they sent me prayers, it was unbelievable," said Loccident.
Loccident is expected to be back in Oklahoma Saturday night.
