Apolo Ohno

Apolo Ohno, born on May 22, 1982, is a celebrated American retired short-track speed skater, renowned for his remarkable achievements in the Winter Olympics. With a total of eight medals—two gold, two silver, and four bronze—Ohno has left an indelible mark on the sport. His journey began under the guidance of his father, leading him to train full-time starting in 1996. By the age of fourteen, he had already made history as the youngest U.S. national champion in 1997, a title he would defend successfully for nearly a decade.

Ohno's prowess on the ice was further highlighted when he became the youngest skater to win a World Cup event title in December 1999. He made history again in 2001 by becoming the first American to secure a World Cup overall title, a feat he repeated in 2003 and 2005. His dominance in the sport continued as he claimed his first overall World Championship title in 2008, solidifying his status as a leading figure in short-track speed skating.

Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Ohno has been recognized with numerous accolades, including being named the United States Olympic Committee's Male Athlete of the Month twice and U.S. Speedskating's Athlete of the Year in 2003. He was also a finalist for the prestigious Sullivan Award on three occasions, which honors the best amateur athlete in the United States.

Since retiring from competitive skating, Ohno has embraced a multifaceted career as a motivational speaker, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. He ventured into the nutritional supplement business and showcased his versatility by winning the 2007 season of Dancing with the Stars. Additionally, he has hosted a revival of Minute to Win It on the Game Show Network and served as a commentator for NBC during the 2014 and 2018 Winter Games, further extending his influence beyond the ice.