Apolo Ohno
Early Life
Apolo Anton Ohno was born on May 22, 1982, in Seattle, Washington, to a Japanese-born father, Yuki Ohno, and a European-American mother, Jerrie Lee. His parents divorced when he was an infant, and he was raised in Seattle by his father. He has a half-brother, Shani, who is much younger. Ohno's father, a hair stylist and owner of the salon Yuki's Diffusion, often worked 12-hour shifts, and with no immediate family in the United States, considered sending his son back to Japan to live with his grandparents, who were farmers in rural Japan.
Career in Speed Skating
Apolo Ohno began training full-time in 1996. He has been the face of short track in the United States since winning his medals at the 2002 Winter Olympics. His aggressive style of skating, similar to the ice hockey style, has made him a fan favorite, as well as a favorite among his peers. Ohno's signature move, the "Ohno pass," has been widely mimicked in the sport.
In 1997, he won the U.S. Olympic Trials, making him the youngest skater ever to secure a spot on the U.S. short track team. His victory signaled the beginning of his dominance in the sport, and he went on to win numerous titles and medals in national and international competitions.
Olympic Achievements
Ohno's Olympic journey began at the 2002 Winter Olympics, where he won a gold medal in the 1500 meters and a silver medal in the 1000 meters. He also won a bronze medal in the 5000 meters relay.
At the 2006 Winter Olympics, Ohno won a gold medal in the 500 meters, a silver medal in the 1000 meters, and a bronze medal in the 5000 meters relay.
In the 2010 Winter Olympics, Ohno won a silver medal in the 1500 meters and two bronze medals in the 1000 meters and 5000 meters relay. This made him the most decorated American Winter Olympic athlete of all time.
Post-Olympic Career
After retiring from speed skating after the 2010 Winter Olympics, Ohno transitioned to television, where he has been a commentator for the Winter Olympics and has appeared on various reality TV shows. He won the fourth season of Dancing with the Stars in 2007 and also competed in the show's 15th season, where he finished in fifth place.
He has also made appearances in several films and television shows, including a cameo in the Disney movie "Minute Men" and a guest appearance on the popular TV show "Hawaii Five-0". In 2017, he was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.
Personal Life
Ohno is a motivational speaker and philanthropist. He has worked with the Special Olympics and has also started a nutritional supplement business. He is not married and does not have any children.