Spring Break
Olympian speaks of passion for sport
Antionette Grajeda
Issue date: 4/4/08 Section: News
Despite the honor, Ohno said the games are bigger than reaching the podium. What's memorable is the journey.
"I remember all the struggles and all the challenges up to that point that shaped the person I am," he said.
His recognition at the Olympics resulted in an offer to compete on the ABC show "Dancing With the Stars," and Ohno said his initial response was "no way."
After more consideration, however, he signed on for this "big challenge" and won the entire competition. He said he enjoyed his time on the show because it helped him relax and show his personality, but the experience was nerve-racking.
"I was more nervous for that first day than any Olympic competition," Ohno said.
The Olympian still keeps in contact with his partner, Julianne Hough, and said he will return to the show for at least one evening May 6, along with a few other familiar faces.
In what little free time he does have, Ohno said he enjoys real estate development and "anything with cars."
Whether fans remember Ohno for his moves on the ice or his moves on the dance floor, he said he also wants to be remembered for his ideals.
"I'd like to be seen as someone who's honest," Ohno said. "Obviously I want to be known as a good athlete - someone who's passionate about success on all levels."
Although he strives for success, Ohno said it's important to be able to walk away satisfied with a performance.
"That to me is worth more than anything in the world," he said.
Ohno said he feels he was "blessed with a gift," and he will display it once more at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, the place where it all began.
"I don't know if I'm going to win or lose, but I know I'm coming full circle, and that's got to mean something," he said.
"I remember all the struggles and all the challenges up to that point that shaped the person I am," he said.
His recognition at the Olympics resulted in an offer to compete on the ABC show "Dancing With the Stars," and Ohno said his initial response was "no way."
After more consideration, however, he signed on for this "big challenge" and won the entire competition. He said he enjoyed his time on the show because it helped him relax and show his personality, but the experience was nerve-racking.
"I was more nervous for that first day than any Olympic competition," Ohno said.
The Olympian still keeps in contact with his partner, Julianne Hough, and said he will return to the show for at least one evening May 6, along with a few other familiar faces.
In what little free time he does have, Ohno said he enjoys real estate development and "anything with cars."
Whether fans remember Ohno for his moves on the ice or his moves on the dance floor, he said he also wants to be remembered for his ideals.
"I'd like to be seen as someone who's honest," Ohno said. "Obviously I want to be known as a good athlete - someone who's passionate about success on all levels."
Although he strives for success, Ohno said it's important to be able to walk away satisfied with a performance.
"That to me is worth more than anything in the world," he said.
Ohno said he feels he was "blessed with a gift," and he will display it once more at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, the place where it all began.
"I don't know if I'm going to win or lose, but I know I'm coming full circle, and that's got to mean something," he said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
lex
posted 5/03/08 @ 11:01 AM CST
i just wanted to say that this website is a huge help to me b/c i chose to do u as a project this yearin in school and i just wanted to say that u are an inspiration to me and i think your a awesome a athlete and i loved watching you win on dancing with the stars. (Continued…)
Amazon Herbs
posted 5/14/08 @ 11:03 PM CST
This is not the usual story of an Olympian. Without his father, he never would have got to be an Olympian. Many times the story is how they got to the Olympics despite lack of support from family. (Continued…)
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