Turin – Apolo Anton Ohno always has been a bit of a philosopher in a skintight suit.
In his autobiography, the speedskater revealed it’s the journey – not the end result – he adores.
In interviews, he often smirks at the random and rambunctious nature of his sport, how years of agonizing preparation and sacrifice can be wiped out by a few slips and spills.
As Ohno races again today, he’ll need to dig into both axioms. His stumble Sunday in the 1,500-meter semifinal cost the Colorado Springs resident any chance to advance in that event. The end result there: No medal.
Ohno headlines an American men’s relay team that is expected to reach the podium in the 5,000-meter scramble. They skate a semifinal heat today. He also competes in a preliminary 1,000-meter heat.
He still has three chances to win a medal during the 2006 Games. But nights spent on a slippery surface are never a sure thing.
“There’s a little bit of luck in every single race, (and) obviously skill,” Ohno said. “In order to make a final, you have to be somewhat skillful in our sport. It is a skill sport, a very physical sport. Mentally, tactically, it’s different every time. But at times it’s dangerous.”
U.S. women Allison Baver and Halie Kim – who both train in Colorado Springs – will skate in the 500-meter sprint.
After watching her boyfriend’s wobble and stunning defeat Tuesday, Baver was misty-eyed, but she understood.
“Stuff happens (in speedskating),” she said. “These kind of things you just have to push aside and move on.”
