FORT BENNING, GA - Jimmy Decker, 8, son of Dr. (MAJ) Carl and Amy Decker, is the third best skater in the nation in the Primary boys' skating division. He was one of 15 skaters representing GT Speed, a speedskating team in Columbus, who competed in the 2009 Speed Skating National Championships July 18-25 in Peoria, Ill.

"Going into the competition, I didn't think I would get third in the nation because it was difficult skating against the other kids, but I did and I'm really happy," Jimmy said.

Jimmy's mom, Amy, said he put in a lot of hard work to train for the championship.

After PCSing at the beginning of July to Lacrosse, Wis., from Fort Benning, Amy drove Jimmy three hours to train with a speed skating team, the closest team to their new home, eight times and rented the skating rink twice a week so Jimmy could practice.

Jimmy has skated with GT Speed for two years.

"He learned to skate and never wanted to quit," she said.

His coach, Yamill Collazo, said Jimmy has always been determined to win.

"He's emotional about skating," Collazo said. "If he doesn't win, he gets upset with himself. Usually those are the ones who are the champions. It's hard to beat that guy because he wants to win so bad that he runs past the last inch he can push."

Another way Decker prepared was competing in five races before the national championship.

"The best way to get better at something is to go and do it," Collazo said. "The more races you compete in, the less nervous you will be about them."

Allison Pierce, Jimmy's former teammate, competed for the fourth time at nationals and made it to the semifinals.

"The competition was really tough," she said. "I have learned from it and I know what I need to do for next year."

Another GT Speed member, Tanner Watts, took fifth place in the Primary Boys 400-meter. Jayden Watts took second place in the girls Tiny Tots division and Will Morales placed third in the Elementary Boys division.

Up next for GT Speed is the National Inline Roller Association championship Labor Day weekend in Marietta, Ga.