Name: Apolo Anton Ohno
Nickname: Chunky
Born: May 22nd, 1982
Height: 5'8
Weight: 165
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
Resides: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Family: Yuki (Father), Jerrie Lee (Mother), & a Half-Brother
Education: Saghalie Junior High / Decatur High School / Internet Academy (College)
Event that performs: Short Track Speed Skating
Team: U.S. Elite Short Track Team

Personal Facts:

• Began skating in 1995 - was skating inline and decided "wanted to try something new".
  
• Was a national champion indoor inline and record-holder.
  
• Earned a state championship as a swimmer in the breaststroke.
  
• Considers winning the overall title at World Cup in Chang Chun, China (12/3-5/99) as greatest accomplishment "because it has never been done by any person my age from the U.S.".
  
• Strongest influence is father. He says of father, "I believe that my father has and always will be the strongest influence in my life, as he has guided me on many paths".
  
• Dislocated hip in 1996 and suffered a knee injury at the 2000 World Team Trials.
  
• What does Apolo enjoys?: music, friends, dancing, basketball, and badminton.
  
• Favorite book is: "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior," by Dan Millman. Buy the book @ Amazon.com
  
• Listens to mostly rap and rhythm and blues music.
  
• Enjoys all foods, but among his favorites are: Asian, Italian & Indian
  
• Favorite movie: "The Power of Glory"

What's in a name?

His unique first name Apolo was given to him by his father, who combined the Greek words Apo, meaning "away," and lo, meaning "look out". The combined meaning of Apolo is "look out, here he comes."

Apolo Flashback

In 1992, Ohno and his father Yuki, who is of Japanese descent, were home watching the Olympic Winter Games on television. His dad took an interest in short track skating and eventually bought Ohno a pair of skates.

Did you know that?
Credit: USOlympicTeam.com

Part of the reason for Ohno's rapid success in short track is that he was a world-class in-line skater prior to switching to the ice.

Ohno was the first American to win a World Cup title at any distance. During the remarkable season, he claimed 12 victories -- three in the 500, one in the 1000, four in the 1500 and four in the 3000 (a non-Olympic event) -- on the World Cup circuit.

Ohno's performance at the 2001 World Championships in Jeonju, South Korea, was disappointing. He won just one medal in an Olympic event (silver in the 1000). But he did win the gold medal in the 3000 and helped the U.S. win its first relay world title.

+ Click here to check Apolo's Bests and Achievements.
+ Read Apolo's Athlete Diary.