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Post by billiey36 guest on Sept 21, 2006 23:32:37 GMT -5
How do you deal with getting recognized all the time out in public?
“Yeah, I get recognized fairly often I think. It’s kind of crazy. There’s been some crazy late night wake-up calls. I think I’ve gotten used to it, but it’s still pretty cool to me. I think it’s pretty cool when a family comes up and says, ‘Oh Apolo, you’ve really had an impact on my daughter or my son’s life,' or when they say ‘We think you represented our country very well.’ That’s pretty cool. It’s better than, ‘Man, you rock!’ That’s cool, too, but just on a different level. We still have to hit that market I guess.”
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Okay, who's been calling him late at night?
And what's his number? I want to tell him he rocks!
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Post by Bella on Sept 21, 2006 23:37:23 GMT -5
Whoever you are (Laura), stop calling! You are waking Apolo and I up at night and we need our beauty rest. And all that heavy breathing is just plain unattractive.
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Post by croatiangrl on Sept 21, 2006 23:39:02 GMT -5
:-*Hell, I'm a shy person but if I ever got the chance to get with Apolo I would make sure he was looking at no one but ME!!
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Post by laura6 on Sept 21, 2006 23:43:12 GMT -5
Whoever you are (Laura), stop calling! You are waking Apolo and I up at night and we need our beauty rest. And all that heavy breathing is just plain unattractive. I cannot control myself!!!!! |
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Post by billiey36 guest on Sept 21, 2006 23:51:31 GMT -5
So Bella is with Apolo and complaining that heavy breathing keeps her awake and is unattractive?
What's wrong with this picture?
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Post by Bella on Sept 22, 2006 0:38:05 GMT -5
What can I say? He takes my breath away!  |
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Post by August on Sept 22, 2006 20:56:04 GMT -5
Billie, bless ya for bringing the best interview I've ever read from Apolo! This must have been days ago. I wouldn't even say weeks. I loved his candor, his humor, all that he was. Most of all though I was delighted (snoopy dancing on the dog house delighted) to see that he's back in training and (all things falling into place, please God) looking to 2010. Yes, I know he didn't confirm, but the way it read to me was that is what he wants provided things work out. Close enough for me! Regarding a possible documentary on life in training for the games, I SWEAR, I've thought about that! Did anyone happen to see Cirque du Solei, The Fire Within? It was a documentary about auditions, training, and rehearsals for Cirque du Solei. Magnificently done. Serious, focused and emotional. Well if they did capture life at the OTC, I'd want it done just like that. I hope the powers that be would give that some serious thought. Excellent interview.
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Post by billiey36 guest on Sept 22, 2006 21:26:47 GMT -5
Can you imagine watching the skaters training, trying to make the various teams, and finally competing?
You'd know who has an injury at just the wrong time--who is perfectly happy with 10th place because they skated their best time ever--who gets along and who doesn't, and why.
You'd get to see who throws in the towel because they just can't handle it, and who is willing to go the distance no matter what it takes.
You'd see the younger ones coming up and the older ones trying to hold on as long as possible, and then, when the next Olympics role around, you'd be rooting for some and against others, because you'd feel like you know them.
And it will mean more to you watching them because you'll know how much it means to them.
What a fantastic idea! Apolo--get it done!
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Post by tabatha on Sept 22, 2006 21:36:53 GMT -5
yes, apolo, geterdone!
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Post by Guest jr on Sept 22, 2006 21:50:10 GMT -5
You'd know who has an injury at just the wrong time--who is perfectly happy with 10th place because they skated their best time ever--who gets along and who doesn't, and why. You'd get to see who throws in the towel because they just can't handle it, and who is willing to go the distance no matter what it takes. You'd see the younger ones coming up and the older ones trying to hold on as long as possible, and then, when the next Olympics role around, you'd be rooting for some and against others, because you'd feel like you know them. And it will mean more to you watching them because you'll know how much it means to them. Not to say that some kind of documentary wouldn't be ton of fun to watch, it would, but actually, if you just follow the sport between now and 2010 you'll get to know the skaters and you'll discover those things anyway. For example from this past Olympic year: "You'd know who has an injury at just the wrong time" Jordan Malone (broke ankle 3 weeks before Olympic trials) "who is perfectly happy with 10th place because they skated their best time ever" Not sure anyone will ever fall in this category when making a team is at stake but skaters do feel a lot of pride when skating a new PB! "who gets along and who doesn't, and why" hehehehe... Not. Going. There. "You'd get to see who throws in the towel because they just can't handle it," Marin Austin "who is willing to go the distance no matter what it takes" Apolo and Jordan are obvious choices here. Also Halie and Travis for different reasons (like moving to a new country to pursue their dreams) "You'd see the younger ones coming up" Go to US Championships and you'll see 'em "the older ones trying to hold on as long as possible" Amy Peterson "when the next Olympics role around, you'd be rooting for some and against others" oh yeah. you hit on an unexpectded truth right there. |
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Post by August on Sept 22, 2006 21:53:57 GMT -5
I'd love seeing the human side of everyone. Not just the happy, smiling, "Here's my autograph, thanks for coming" side. I would lose no love for someone from finding out that they fall short of perfect. I may end up admiring them even more. It brings them closer to us.
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Post by August on Sept 22, 2006 22:02:08 GMT -5
I see what you mean Guest Jr, but the beauty of a documentary is that it puts it all in a nutshell for the benefit of those unable to chase the athletes around the globe. And that's pretty much what you have to do with sports that get very little media attention. Not to mention the behind the scenes aspect.
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Post by susie on Sept 24, 2006 20:27:06 GMT -5
There is so much in that interview. I *loved* it. I was especially thrilled that he seems to be committed to returning to skating if the financials fall into place. If you had asked me even a month ago, my best guess was that he would not return. I felt very sad about that because I have really wanted to see him race live, in person (repeatedly, I hope.) Now...maybe...maybe (crossing all available fingers and toes.) I do wonder what exactly caused his change in thinking because it seemed to me that he was suffering from a certain degree of fatigue or burnout. Perhaps now he feels rested and ready to have at it again. I was intrigued by his mention of an interest in urban planning. Architecture and urban planning were always my brother's special interests, even though he went into project management for more practical reasons. My brother's interests sparked my own appreciation for those disciplines. I really giggled about the hair references. I thought, "flat versus fluffy, that will keep the GA board going for months." |
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Post by Elle on Sept 24, 2006 20:29:02 GMT -5
I think it'd be fun watching real sportman and woman on television. I just dont want it to be him. When I think of reality tv, I think of washed-up, wanna-be movie stars. Apolo is much more than that. I want 2 c him winning in a race not on a show in which all ppl will be talking about is crap rather than his achievements. I dont want 2 c any magazine referring to him as a reality celebrity wanting to stretch their 15 mins. of fame.
He's much more than that. I simply dont want ppl talking rubish about him.
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Post by billiey36 guest on Sept 24, 2006 23:29:00 GMT -5
US Speedskating very smartly asked Apolo to represent the skaters in the search for a coach. This accomplished two things--they showed that they were willing to listen to the concerns of the skaters, something they hadn't done in the past (11 coaches in 10 years!?!?), and they kept their star skater, who was considering retirement, involved.
But they still have to sell the sport to the public. The only coverage speed skating gets is every four years at the Olympics. They have to somehow make people care about the sport, and making them care about the people involved in the sport may be the best way to do that. Getting to know the skaters gives people a rooting interest when they compete.
Personally, I would love to see an ongoing series about Olympians. Not the stars of the past like they do once in awhile, but the ones we may be seeing in upcoming games. It wouldn't have to be just speed skaters.
I want to know who, not just what, I'm watching when the Olympics roll around. And I don't want a cram course at the last minute like they do now.
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