Apolo Anton Ohno sped into my consciousness in the 2002 Olympics, a hotshot speedskater with confidence, good humor--and most admirably, resilience. Although he was considered the shoo-in to win the 1000 meter race, a competitor trigged a massive wipeout, sending Ohno, along with others, into the barriers. A last-place racer easily crossed the finish line, but it was Ohno’s “oh, well, stuff happens” attitude that got him back to his feet in time to take the silver. In interviews afterwards, he shrugged the incident off, and kept his focus to go take gold in the 1500.
On top of this, he’s so darned cute! In fact, when writing HOW TO HOOK A HOTTIE (January, 2008, Delacorte Press), whose settings include a skating rink, there was no question of whether or not I’d mention him as a skater the girls admired…it was more a question of how many times. (Final Answer? Once. Because when you’re as dynamic as he is, once is enough.)
Earlier this year, Ohno announced his plans to compete in the 2010 Olympics. But otherwise, he’s been busy engaging in a whole new sport: ballroom dancing. Along with a partner, Julianne Hough, he tackled the Quickstep, the Cha Cha, the Paso Doble and others well enough to make it to the finals on his 25th birthday, and be named the 4th season winners.
I’m looking forward to seeing lots more of Ohno, whether it’s on ice, cement or the dance floor!
How about you?
What I'm Reading: There's a (Slight) Chance I Might Be Going to Hell, Laurie Notaro
Tina
Tina Ferraro
Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress, out now
How to Hook a Hottie, Spring, 2008
The ABC’s of Kissing Boys, Spring, 2009
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4 comments:
Hi Tina,
Yes, Ono is a hottie. I can't wait to see him in the next Olympics.
Glad you like the book!
Janie
Thanks, Janie (for the comment AND the Notaro book as a birthday present)!
Oh, yum! I had never heard of him before DWTS. I loved watching him dance! :)
Oh yes, I remember him from the Olympics. That wipe-out was so heartbreaking--but I guess speed skaters have to get used to crashes. No one can pull off one of those unitard, speed skating suits like him.
Hugs,
TLC
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