2003 Award Honoree

Apolo Anton Ohno
United States Olympic Committee

In a sport where the margin of error is about as wide as a skate blade, where the slightest push or an accidental fall can shatter dreams, it takes a person with special qualities to compete and excel at the elite international level. For his commitment to sportsmanship, fair play and the Olympic ideals, the United States Olympic Committee has selected U.S. speedskating champion Apolo Anton Ohno as the 2003 CTSA award winner.

Ohno became a household name when he won the gold medal in the 1500 meters and the silver in the 1000 meters at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City. Ohno followed up his Olympic success by winning the 1000 meters and the overall championship at the 2003 World Cup.

Ohno, who began skating in 1994 after watching the Olympic Winter Games on television, was second in the overall championship at the 2001 World Short Track Championships. He then finished as the overall champion at the 2001 World Cup after he won the 500, 1000 and 1500 meters.

Ohno is committed to making a difference in the community and so are his generous fans. His fans initiated the "In Apolo's Name Project" June 5, 2002. Over a seven-month period, fans donated money in Apolo's name to help build a Ronald McDonald House (RMH) in Seattle. Ronald McDonald House is a charity close to Ohno's heart. Ohno's fans exceeded their goal of $10,000 to ensure a room at the new Seattle RMH would bear his name.

Ohno was born in Seattle and raised by his father, Yuki, whom he cites as his strongest influence. Said Ohno of his father, "He is an extremely hard worker and he always supports me to the fullest."