Post by billiey36 on Dec 13, 2006 10:58:49 GMT -5
I love when he talks about his dad:
www.usolympicteam.com/117_50274.htm
For anyone who can't open it (note that it's for a childrens' publication--that probably explains the "Green Eggs and Ham" reference):
From green eggs to gold medals: Apolo has learned to try new things
Deppe, Michele // December 8, 2006
Copyright 2006 Gale Group, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
ASAP
Copyright 2006 Highlights for Children, Inc.
When it comes to short-track speed skating, Apolo Anton Ohno is a world champion. At the 2006 Olympics in Turin, Italy, Apolo won a gold and two bronze medals for the United States. He won a gold and a silver medal at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has been the World Cup overall champion three times.
But Apolo says he never would have become a champion if he hadn't listened to Sam-I-am.
"Green Eggs and Ham (by Dr. Seuss) was my favorite book," Apolo explains. "Remember how Sam tries to talk that guy into eating green eggs and ham? I was like that guy. I can be really hardheaded."
The "Sam-I-am" in Apolo's life was his dad. Apolo's father knew that his son could reach his full potential only by trying something new. But Apolo's stubborn streak almost put his skating career on a very short track!
A Natural Athlete
Apolo had always been good at sports. He was a state champion in swimming and had won a national title in indoor in-line skating.
When Apolo was thirteen, he and his dad were watching short-track speed skating together. The skaters amazed Apolo. They flashed aroundthe track at speeds of up to 35 miles an hour. They skated on bladesas narrow as steak knives. Agility, balance, and quick thinking werecrucial. Apolo was hooked.
Apolo's dad bought him speed skates. Eagerly, Apolo put on the newskates at a competition. He got on the ice, but he could not glide forward.
"Another skater finally told me that I had to sharpen my skates," says Apolo. He worked quickly to smooth the ridges from his new blades. Once he got going, Apolo skated well that day without falling once.
He improved at speed skating, and his dad talked to coaches, pointing out Apolo's natural talent. The 14-year-old was offered a chance to train with the U.S. Junior Development Team. With the team, Apolo could compete at international levels. His dad was excited, but Apolowasn't.
Apolo's Stubborn Streak
Being good at sports had always come easily to Apolo. And joining the development team would be hard. Apolo would have to leave his home in Seattle and live at the training center in New York. That meant leaving his friends, his school, and his dad. He didn't want to do it.
For months, Apolo refused. He thought joining the team was as appealing as green eggs and ham.
But just like Sam-I-am, Apolo's dad kept encouraging him to try the training program. He told Apolo that he needed training to develop his talent. He said that he might even compete in the Olympics someday. He reminded Apolo that top athletes make sacrifices to achieve greatness.
Apolo knew his dad loved him and wanted what was best for him. AndApolo wondered what he could achieve in speed skating. Eventually, he decided to try the training program.
It was hard at first--moving to the training center, starting at anew school, making friends. It was tough physically, too. His muscles were constantly sore from working out. He was the youngest on the team, and it was difficult to keep up.
With time, Apolo got used to his new routine. He worked hard, but he also had fun. And he began to win competitions.
Apolo is glad that he listened to his dad. It's the reason that he's a champion today, and Apolo and his dad are closer than ever. "Thebest thing about my recent success is that my dad is able to come tomore competitions," Apolo says.
The skater is also stubborn in good ways. He doesn't give up. And he holds on to important values. He makes sure that he is growing as a person, not just as an athlete.
Apolo says, "At first, I wanted to win everything. But being a good athlete isn't the only thing in life. Being a good person and making good friends is really important."
School is important, too. Apolo is earning a college degree in business. "I'd like to go into business with my dad someday," he says.
Apolo has learned that hard work pays off. He loves to do his best, and he's not afraid to try new things. Before the 2006 Olympics, hechanged his workout style. His flexible attitude helps him stay at the top of his game.
Sometimes, trying something new is difficult. But Apolo reminds usthat green eggs and ham can taste pretty good.
www.usolympicteam.com/117_50274.htm
For anyone who can't open it (note that it's for a childrens' publication--that probably explains the "Green Eggs and Ham" reference):
From green eggs to gold medals: Apolo has learned to try new things
Deppe, Michele // December 8, 2006
Copyright 2006 Gale Group, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
ASAP
Copyright 2006 Highlights for Children, Inc.
When it comes to short-track speed skating, Apolo Anton Ohno is a world champion. At the 2006 Olympics in Turin, Italy, Apolo won a gold and two bronze medals for the United States. He won a gold and a silver medal at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has been the World Cup overall champion three times.
But Apolo says he never would have become a champion if he hadn't listened to Sam-I-am.
"Green Eggs and Ham (by Dr. Seuss) was my favorite book," Apolo explains. "Remember how Sam tries to talk that guy into eating green eggs and ham? I was like that guy. I can be really hardheaded."
The "Sam-I-am" in Apolo's life was his dad. Apolo's father knew that his son could reach his full potential only by trying something new. But Apolo's stubborn streak almost put his skating career on a very short track!
A Natural Athlete
Apolo had always been good at sports. He was a state champion in swimming and had won a national title in indoor in-line skating.
When Apolo was thirteen, he and his dad were watching short-track speed skating together. The skaters amazed Apolo. They flashed aroundthe track at speeds of up to 35 miles an hour. They skated on bladesas narrow as steak knives. Agility, balance, and quick thinking werecrucial. Apolo was hooked.
Apolo's dad bought him speed skates. Eagerly, Apolo put on the newskates at a competition. He got on the ice, but he could not glide forward.
"Another skater finally told me that I had to sharpen my skates," says Apolo. He worked quickly to smooth the ridges from his new blades. Once he got going, Apolo skated well that day without falling once.
He improved at speed skating, and his dad talked to coaches, pointing out Apolo's natural talent. The 14-year-old was offered a chance to train with the U.S. Junior Development Team. With the team, Apolo could compete at international levels. His dad was excited, but Apolowasn't.
Apolo's Stubborn Streak
Being good at sports had always come easily to Apolo. And joining the development team would be hard. Apolo would have to leave his home in Seattle and live at the training center in New York. That meant leaving his friends, his school, and his dad. He didn't want to do it.
For months, Apolo refused. He thought joining the team was as appealing as green eggs and ham.
But just like Sam-I-am, Apolo's dad kept encouraging him to try the training program. He told Apolo that he needed training to develop his talent. He said that he might even compete in the Olympics someday. He reminded Apolo that top athletes make sacrifices to achieve greatness.
Apolo knew his dad loved him and wanted what was best for him. AndApolo wondered what he could achieve in speed skating. Eventually, he decided to try the training program.
It was hard at first--moving to the training center, starting at anew school, making friends. It was tough physically, too. His muscles were constantly sore from working out. He was the youngest on the team, and it was difficult to keep up.
With time, Apolo got used to his new routine. He worked hard, but he also had fun. And he began to win competitions.
Apolo is glad that he listened to his dad. It's the reason that he's a champion today, and Apolo and his dad are closer than ever. "Thebest thing about my recent success is that my dad is able to come tomore competitions," Apolo says.
The skater is also stubborn in good ways. He doesn't give up. And he holds on to important values. He makes sure that he is growing as a person, not just as an athlete.
Apolo says, "At first, I wanted to win everything. But being a good athlete isn't the only thing in life. Being a good person and making good friends is really important."
School is important, too. Apolo is earning a college degree in business. "I'd like to go into business with my dad someday," he says.
Apolo has learned that hard work pays off. He loves to do his best, and he's not afraid to try new things. Before the 2006 Olympics, hechanged his workout style. His flexible attitude helps him stay at the top of his game.
Sometimes, trying something new is difficult. But Apolo reminds usthat green eggs and ham can taste pretty good.
. I'd move to Seattle & hold down 2 jobs to have a standing monthly appointment. Shampoo, deep conditioner, trim & blowout please, Apolo 
