It Takes a Village
Perhaps what's so astonishing about Apolo Ohno is his willingness to acknowledge it takes a village, a community, a team to create Olympic success. In an interview with KING 5, he thanks the Seattle area for supporting him since he was 12 years old and just beginning to skate. He thanks his teamates, calling them a "brotherhood" that trained, cried and medaled (bronze in relay) together. Heck, he even credits South Korean rival Ahn Hyun-soo with being such a competitor they "make each other better" on the ice. These aren't platitudes or "saying the right thing." They are heartfelt declarations. Despite his individual gold and bronze, Ohno tells NBC's Jim Lampley there was "nothing better" than the U.S. team's finish in the relay. "It touches my heart that we could share this moment," says Ohno.
Comments
I've never felt that Apolo spoke from anything but his heart. His sportsmanship is what marks him as a true Champion. The entire Short Track contingent, of all countries! deserved a Sportsman ship medal!
Posted by: SusanG | February 27, 2006 9:05 AM
I sincerely hope he catches that "gleam in his eye" for Vancouver and he isn't yet ready to hang up the golden skates.
Posted by: MT | February 27, 2006 2:43 PM