Apolo Ohno
Apolo Ohno: A Life of Speed and Determination
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Apolo Anton Ohno is the full name of this American short track speed skater. He is commonly known by his first name, Apolo.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on October 25, 1982, in Seattle, Washington, Apolo Ohno is still active in various pursuits, making no death date necessary for inclusion here.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Apolo Ohno holds American nationality. He has made a name for himself as an accomplished short track speed skater, but also has explored acting and other ventures outside his primary profession.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in Washington state, Apolo began skating at the age of three, encouraged by his parents who saw it as a way to keep him active. His natural talent and dedication quickly made him stand out, and he started competing seriously before reaching double digits in age. This early start would lay the foundation for his future success.
Apolo's family has been supportive throughout his career, often traveling with him to competitions. He is particularly close to his parents, who pushed him to pursue his passion despite initial doubts from some coaches about his small stature and other perceived limitations. Their unwavering support helped shape Apolo into the driven individual he became.
Major Accomplishments
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Throughout his illustrious career, Apolo has amassed numerous accolades that demonstrate his prowess in short track speed skating:
Olympic medals: He is an eight-time medalist at the Winter Olympics (2006 and 2010), with a total of five gold medals. His first Olympic victory came at the 2006 Torino Games, where he won three medals.
World Championship titles: Apolo has secured six world championship titles in his discipline.
Record holder: He holds multiple world records, showcasing his dominance on the ice.
These accomplishments not only cemented Apolo's status as one of the greatest short track speed skaters but also made him a household name.
Notable Works or Actions
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Beyond his achievements in speed skating, Apolo has ventured into acting and other pursuits. His notable works include:
Dancing with the Stars: In 2007, he participated in this popular reality TV show, finishing as runner-up.
* Film appearances: Apolo has made guest appearances in several films, including "Beethoven's Big Break" and "The Gruver Army Airfield."
These endeavors demonstrate his versatility beyond the speed skating rink.
Impact and Legacy
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Apolo Ohno's impact on the world of short track speed skating is undeniable. His numerous medals at the Olympics and World Championships have inspired a generation of skaters to push their limits. Beyond his competitive achievements, Apolo has used his platform for charitable work, often advocating for youth development programs.
As one of the most decorated American Winter Olympians in history, Apolo's legacy extends beyond his athletic career. He has become an influential figure in popular culture, known for his determination and perseverance.
Quotes by Apolo Ohno
Apolo Ohno's insights on:
Every Olympic athlete prepares differently. For me, I am 100 percent into the sport. And if I decide to really make a crucial career decision to say, ‘This is something I want to do,’ I want to leave no stone unturned in my preparation.
I could never focus on my upper body as a skater, so I’m enjoying having symmetrical upper and lower body muscle.
When you reach that competing point, when you reach that time when the gun is about to go off, everyone’s level is pretty much the same. The one thing that’s going to separate you from everybody else is how you deal with those pressures, how you stay relaxed.
On the ice, if I slow down, I can coast behind somebody for a couple of laps. If I slow down on the run, it’ll turn into a walk.
Being a competitor, you always believe you can come back. I’ll be up at 3 in the morning watching World Cup races in my hotel whether I’m in Asia on a business trip or in New York City and have to get up in 2 hours.
I’ve always liked game shows – the competitive aspect and the character-driven personalities you see.
As I grow older, I have a growing curiosity about my other half. My dad did a wonderful job raising me, and I wouldn’t change it for the world, but at the same time there is a growing curiosity about my other half.
My ‘go to’ workout is called the Asylum from Beach Body. It’s intense training with lots of intervals, core work. It’s hard! I travel a lot, so I can take it on the road with me and do it in a hotel room.
I know that BMW is now a sponsor of the USOC – of the United States Olympic Committee – so they offer the use of their aerodynamic speed-tunnel for testing and such for the athletes, which is a great advantage. But to be honest with you, I’d rather have a free car!