Apolo Ohno

Learn about Apolo Anton Ohno (born May 22, 1982) — America’s most decorated Winter Olympian in short track speed skating — his journey, achievements, challenges, and life after competition.

Introduction

Apolo Anton Ohno is one of the most recognizable figures in U.S. winter sports history. Born May 22, 1982, in Seattle, Washington, he became a dominant force in short track speed skating. Over three Olympic Games (2002, 2006, 2010), Ohno earned eight Olympic medals — two gold, two silver, and four bronze — making him the most decorated American Winter Olympian in the sport.

But his impact extends beyond athletic records: he became a media personality, author, entrepreneur, speaker, and strategist.

Early Life & Background

• Birth & Family: Apolo Anton Ohno was born on May 22, 1982, in Seattle, Washington.

• His father, Yuki Ohno, is of Japanese descent; his mother, Jerrie Lee, is of European American heritage.

• His parents divorced when he was very young, and he was raised by his father in Seattle.

Early sports & discovery

• Ohno was first involved in swimming and inline skating (roller skating) as a child.

• He discovered short track speed skating after watching the 1994 Winter Olympics on television.

• In 1996, at age 13, he was admitted to train full-time at the Lake Placid Olympic Training Center, making him one of its youngest skaters.

• By 1997, he won his first U.S. National Championship in short track, becoming the youngest U.S. national champion in the sport’s history.

Skating Career & Major Achievements

Rise in the World Circuit

• Ohno dominated in World Cup competition: he won the overall World Cup titles in 2001, 2003, and 2005.

• He captured his first World Championship overall title in 2008.

• He was U.S. national champion multiple times (12 times between 1997 and 2009).

Olympic Performances

• 2002 Winter Olympics (Salt Lake City): Ohno won a gold in the 500 m (amid a controversial finish) and a silver in the 1000 m.

• 2006 Winter Olympics (Turin): He added more medals, including gold in 500 m and other podiums.

• 2010 Winter Olympics (Vancouver): He concluded his Olympic career with medals, bringing his total to eight.

His Olympic medal tally (2 gold, 2 silver, 4 bronze) remains a high mark in U.S. winter sports.

Post-Competition Career & Other Roles

After retiring from competitive skating (around 2010) , Ohno branched into multiple fields:

Media & Entertainment

• He won “Dancing with the Stars” (Season 4) with his partner Julianne Hough.

• He served as host of Minute to Win It on Game Show Network in its revived run.

• He has worked as a commentator for NBC’s coverage of Winter Olympics events (Sochi 2014, PyeongChang 2018).

Author, Speaker & Entrepreneur

• Ohno co-wrote the book “Zero Regrets: Be Greater Than Yesterday”, reflecting on mindset, goals, and performance.

• He is now a performance strategist and keynote speaker for organizations and leaders.

• He also engages in business ventures in health, wellness, technology, and nutrition.

• He founded the Apolo Anton Ohno Foundation, focusing on youth, healthy lifestyle, and related causes.

Personality, Mindset & Public Influence

• Ohno is known for his discipline, goal orientation, and mental toughness, traits he often speaks about in his motivational work.

• He has often emphasized preparation, leaving “nothing on the table” in training and life. (cited in media interviews)

• He also used his visibility to support social causes, such as youth education, healthy living, and awareness initiatives.

Legacy & Recognition

• Ohno has been honored by induction into halls of fame: International Sports Hall of Fame (2017) and U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame (2019).

• He is widely credited with popularizing short track speed skating in the U.S. and becoming one of its most recognizable athletes.

Lessons from Apolo Ohno’s Journey

1. Master both physical and mental preparation — success often comes down to preparation, consistency, and resilience.

2. Turn setbacks into fuel — Ohno faced controversies and defeats, but used them to push harder.

3. Reinvent yourself — after athletics, he transitioned into authorship, business, media, and strategy.

4. Use your influence for good — he launched a foundation, speaks for youth, and promotes healthy living.

5. Balance ambition with integrity — his public persona combines performance drive with responsibility.