1964 Soap Box Derby
by Barry Bauer
Terry McDermott, nicknamed, “The Essexville Rocket,” won both a silver and gold medal in the 1964 Winter Olympic as a speed skater.
He made an appearance in the 1964 Soap Box Derby parade in St. Johns. He was from Essexville, Michigan at that time. He participated in the 1960, 1964, and the 1968 Olympics.
In 1964 Terry appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show, but his appearance was overshadowed by the first performance of the Beatles on that same show.