Katya sends this news about Apolo appearing with Stars on Ice! (yes, they misspelled his name!)
BRIAN BOITANO'S SKATING SPECTACULAR, Saturday, December 21, 2002 Mandalay Bay Casino & Hotel, Las Vegas, NV For ticket information, call 877-632-7400 Brian Boitano returns for the sixth consecutive year with a host of figure skating's greatest including Kristi Yamaguchi, Nancy Kerrigan, Yuka Sato and more. Pop star Jessica Simpson is the featured guest performer with a special appearance by Olympic champion speed skater Apollo Ohno. NBC Air Date: January 1, 2003 4-6pm (EST)
I just wanted to tell you that Apolo is in the new YM (August) with Josh Hartnett on the front!! Apolo has been chosen as one of the Hottest 20 Guys!!
posted by todd stuart |
9:07 AM
Tuesday, June 25, 2002
Check it out everyone! Lucy sends her greetings from England
:::Whassup!!! I'm just chillin' here in England. We're out of the World Cup now, so that's sad. I was on the plane when the pilot said "Final score of the match: Brazil 2, England 1." The whole plane let out a collective sigh. Oh well, Beckham is still fine as all get-out!!! Talk to you all in 12 days!!:::
EDITOR'S NOTE: "The next time I need to hire someone, I think I'll place an ad that reads something like this: "Wanted: Magazine expertise. Must be particularly good at cozying up to half-naked male sports stars." Fortunately, as the photos on this page attest, I have a full house of those who possess this skill set. While SI Women's staff is always hardworking, this issue found their willingness to be on call at an all-time high. Who might be available for a shoot in Malibu with Apolo Ohno? Who'll make sure that Tiki and Ronde Barber's swimsuits fit just so? Let's just say there was no shortage of volunteers."
posted by noelle . |
5:30 PM
Monday, June 24, 2002
An announcement from Joanna
I've just started a Yahoo! Group for those of us planning on attending the World Cup in Salt Lake City in Feb. 2003. Members of this group will share helpful information about lodging and travel and other ideas to make our trip more memorable and fun. Hopefully, we can make some new friends to hang out with at the event! The URL is: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/slc_short_track/
Remember the 2 issues the Seattle Times did back in February that included special commemorative posters of Apolo? The Seattle Times exhausted its supply of back orders so many fans were out of luck. Lucinda has located a dealer who has these issues available. There is one catch, the "collector's editions" (as he calls them) go for $75 plus shipping and handling. The papers he considers "collector's edtions" are the feb 7th edition w/the pull-out poster in front of flag and the feb 26th edition w/ the pull out poster of his hands raised after he won the gold. Richard Pauletti 206-441-1331 and his address is Pauletti Papers PO BOX 84491 Seattle, WA 98124
posted by noelle . |
5:47 PM
Sunday, June 23, 2002
Doh! Somehow I missed this very important pic! Don't Molly & Apolo look great?
Here it is - what you've all been waiting for - Molly's story!
Wow! What a day! Another great experience with our dear Apolo. Here goes: I got there late (LA traffic!) so Apolo was already signing away by the time I got there. Abigail and Tiggie told me that he came out early. I went up and he remembered me again! He looked at me, smiled, pointed to me and said, ‘Hey, are you following me?’ and laughed. I said, ‘Wassup, Apolo, and NO, I think YOU are following ME now!’ We both laughed. I then said ‘Apolo, when you come to MY town, I gotta represent!’ He started laughing. I then gave him some gifts (late birthday) and he said smiling, ‘Wow, more gifts for me?’ I said, ‘Yep, just a few things’. I got him a CD and a shirt from Snoop Dog’s new clothing line. I figured he might like that. (I hope!) I also explained that I had a letter from a fan who couldn’t make it and he said ‘Thanks a lot!’ I asked him how he was doing, he said fine. I said he was doing a great job, even though he looked tired. (What a soldier for standing the entire time!!) I then asked him if he was going to be in Vegas, he said ‘Yeah, but not for long’. I joked to him and said, ‘If you see me there, it’s because I PLANNED to go there before I found out you were gonna be there!’ He laughed, kinda like, uh, ok, Molly, yeah right! (seriously, guys, I’m NOT going to Vegas for Apolo, I swear!!) I also asked if he was going to be at the ESPY’s and he said, ‘Yeah, I’ll be there!’ Anyways, we got to take a lot of pics and I met those other fabulous gals! I then went up with my cousin (she’s such a sweetheart for toughing it out the whole day!) and that’s when Apolo talked on my cell phone. He did his little laugh, oh my lord….so cute! Then we just hung around for awhile longer and took more pictures. There was a lot of people there for this ebay thing and Apolo was gracious enough to stand and pose for EVERY single person who came through his line! Overall, another great experience with Apolo. Gracious and classy as usual! Thank you Apolo!
Here's Abigail's story, everyone. Apolo clearly did a great job yesterday!
Ok I got to the convention center around 11:30 a.m., and the first thing I saw as soon as I got into the hall was a big sign of Visa with our golden boy's name "TODAY, APOLO ANTON OHNO VISA E-BAY BOOTH 108". Anyhow, I told my two good friends (who graciously went with me, thank you girls, you are the best!!) that I had to take a pic of the sign, but they were many throughout the EXPO. So, we got to the third floor where the EXPO was displayed, I went strait to the VISA booth, which was at the end of the hall. It was around 12:45 when the lady from e-bay was telling us what he could and could not sign. So I got in line and was like number 7 if I'm not mistaken. Meanwhile I was on line, I had to write a little note to Apolo, since I got him a B'day present (isn't this a great idea to start a conversation?),,,lol, so I was writing the note when my friend Tere told me "Isn't that Apolo?" So I turned my head up and sure enough there he was waiting for the people who were taking care of the event to give him green light to start. At that point I WAS TOTALLY SHAKING. I could not write anymore. I just starting drooling over him. He had to leave for something so, everyone who was on line kind of said "don't go" and he said something like "I'll be back in a moment." So we all got even more excited. He comes back and starts the signing and photo shooting,, and here I am totally in shock waiting for my turn. Finally it was my turn, I walked to him and said "Hi Apolo", and of course he said Hi back, so I told him that I have a late B'day present and he said "A b'day present?" my response was "Wasn't it a month ago?" so he kind of giggled and said "Thanks I'll keep it",,, I can't remember the exact words. I got my pic out and he signed it for me, I also took my People Mag for him to sign it. BTW at this point I managed to recall one of the many questions I wanted to ask. I asked him if he was going to be in Vegas next weekend, and he said YES, (So Jena there is the answer), and I said cool! I told him that I was very nervous, so I guess it was time to take the pic, so he got close to me, but not close enough. I kinda lean toward him and he grabbed me from my waist and I did too. I could feel my knees, my hands, even my lips totally shaking. But guess what, something happened and the photographer said that the pic was not taken, SO HERE I AM HOLDING APOLO FOR A SECOND SHOT!!! I told him something like "sorry dude, It will take a little longer". Finally the pic was taken and I said thanks and left. (Deep breath). I could not smell any cologne or anything. I'm very good with my smells and senses, but for reals if he had any on, either it was very little, but I can almost say he did not have any on. He looked great, he was wearing a yellow shirt and no it was not the shirt from Nick, this one was short sleeves, black jeans and black shoes. He had a different ring this time though and he was wearing it on his pinkie, his watch and his chain, which you could not see it very well, btw, it seemed that at the end he lost the ring, cuz they were searching for something and he made like a sad face, so I figured he had lost something, looked at his hands and did not see his ring. I stood by the side taking all kinds of pics, this chick in black, who was a rep from VISA, was by my side, so here I am all excited telling everyone I could, that he was so gorgeous, handsome, sweet, beautiful, cute, etc., etc., etc. So the chick was kind of "yeah he is cute", and I showed her the People pic and she said something like "yeah good looking". I'm having a conversation with her and asked her if she worked for VISA, and said yes. I asked her if I could apply for the position, and said that she would never leave that job, and I responded I wouldn't either. For last I asked her if she knew if 'Polo was training, and she said "YES, he is a very hard worker" Isn't that amazing!!!!! I told her that we were concerned that he was everywhere but training, but she CONFIRMED THAT HE IS TRAINING LADIES. I ran to my car to drop off the pic and mag, and grabbed my NIKE poster for him to sign it (Isn't this bad, I was very greedy, oh well). Molly gave me a call asking where was I, so I told her I was on my way back to the hall. I finally met her, Isabel and Tiggie. We got on the line again for 'Polo to sign my poster. I walked up to him, and yes I said "It's me again", so I took my poster out of the tube where I had it and he signed it, also he signed my badge, btw he remembered my name, soooo cool!!!! This time I wanted a pic taken with him and my two friends, like always he graciously posed with us!!!! I think at this point is when Molly got 'Polo to record his voice on her cell!!! He sounds so cute!!! After that, we kinda hung around, we posted live from the hall on the OZ (member?), and went back to drool on 'Polo again. Tiggie and I were together by the photographer just watching all these people taking the pic just because, it was like no big deal for them. Finally 5:00 pm, time for our golden boy to leave, so he started to gather all the things he got from us fans and no fans (I guess),lol, grabbed his briefcase and hit it out. On his way out I extended my had and said "Thank you Apolo" and he grabbed my hand and said "You're welcome" he gave me a huge smile and left the hall. We hung around for a couple of minutes and decided we wanted to wait for our pics, since they will have them ready at 6:00 pm. At 6:00 pm we picked up our pics and left. I had a great time, I cannot believe that my dream came true,,,and finally got to meet him. It was totally worth it driving down to LA, I just had a blast!!!! Guys, you have to be very proud of us, because we totally behaved ourselves, he was very approachable, cool, and sweet as always. We were very close and I hope that the pics I took come out good. It's almost 2:00 am (PST) and I'm totally exhausted, as soon as I develop the film I will send them in. Ladies if you have a chance to go and meet him, don't miss it,,,,it's just incredibly amazing!!!!!
yay! another eBay story. This one is from mona lisa
ok OZers, here goes my account =) [YAY I can’t believe I’m writing one after reading so many and being totally jealous! heehee] sorry this is so long.. I got to the convention around 12:30 pm. I’ve been to the Anaheim Convention Center once, like 3 years ago, so I had my Dad drive me. I don’t know the freeways of Orange County well.. and I was obviously in no condition to drive. I was meeting APOLO OHNO for god’s sake! haha When I first got there, I had NO idea what was going on. The first floor was soo empty and so I went up to the second floor and it was just a whole bunch of conference rooms.. so I followed the crowd and got up to the expo. It was so crowded and I thought it was cuz of Apolo.. but it was cuz they were giving away free t-shirts. OMgosh, who the F cares about t-shirts? haha so I walk around and Apolo was in the LAST row… I almost dropped to my knees at the sight of him! *SIGH* there was this big ass line, and im like, damn, I have to wait THIS long to see Apolo?? Of course, I was mistaken and again, it was a line to win stuff. Who needs ebay mugs when you got APOLO?? frigging weird ebay nerds. (I only say that cuz I am one). I started freaking out cuz I couldn’t find molly or susan, and I thought maybe they already had their picture taken. While I was standing in line, people around me were like “well, I guess I’ll get an autograph..” like they only did it cuz they had nothing better to do. I could barely contain myself!!! I don’t think anybody knew he was gonna be there. the chick in line behind me was so cute. her boyfriend was like “ok, when I count to three, you turn and plant one on him” heehee I was like, damn that’s a good idea. but I don’t think she did. [ok here’s where the REAL story starts] Apolo was wearing an orangey-yellow shirt that is similar to the one from Kid’s Choice Awards but I don’t think it’s the same one cuz the one he wore to KCA was shiny. He was wearing black jeans and shoes. I personally don’t care for his style of clothing.. I mean, I would dress him up all GQ in fitted A|X but that’s just me. he still looked gorgeous regardless. I get up there.. and say “hi Apolo” and gave the CD I burned for him.. it was just songs that I thought he would like (“I need a girl” of course, is on there and i put the ohnozone logo on the front) and he looked at it for a while and didn’t say anything… god that felt like FOREVER. and then he did his “oohhh” giggle.. (think on Rosie when she gave him the bandanas) and I handed him this ebay sticker to sign and I said “here; I didn’t bring anything cuz I didn’t know you were signing autographs” and he asked if I wanted him to write my name.. (UGH why cant I remember the exact words?) he signed it and said something like “ok, let it dry” and so I went and stood next to him and ppl took a picture of us.. I could feel his hand on my back (AHHHHH BODILY CONTACT!) and so I kinda scooted up closer to him. I remember I made a mental note to see if I could smell cologne (I don’t know how I could even remember my NAME at this point) but I couldn’t smell anything. So I said, “thanks apolo” and walked away in a daze.. At this point I still couldn’t find Molly or Susan so I walked around aimlessly. Then I decide after about 10 minutes to go back and try to take some more pictures of Apolo and I see Molly and Susan in line. Finally, I had somebody to gush to! hehehe Molly was all calm and cool about it.. me and Susan were a mess! hahaha so we went thru the line again (how embarrassing!) and Susan gave me her Time Kids that I gave Apolo to sign (THANKS BABE!). I said “oh here, I found something for you to sign.” and we three took a pic with him. Molly had this long ass conversation with him =) ugh, I couldn’t even get words to form outta my mouth. Then we found Abigail and so we got in line AGAIN. haha then Molly had the brilliant idea for Apolo to say something in her cell phone so I was like “OMG I want my phone too!!!” (I gave it to my dad cuz he forgot his) so I go get it, and come back and had to get in line again.. but it took waaay too long so I left =( I was way too embarrassed anyway, I doubt I would’ve gone thru with it!! I was acting completely teeny bopper today (I’m not usually like this, girls!! The things Apolo does to me). I was totally disappointed I didn’t act like a NORMAL person. haha I should’ve asked him how he was doing or something. gosh im such a dork. while we were standing in line, there was this spin the wheel and win something thing going on, and we were yelling “you should raffle off apolo stuff!!” anyway, to get the pix that they took, you had to stay until 6pm and I really didn’t want to so I think they’re gonna email them to me. as soon as I get them, im gonna send them in. and I still need to develop the pix on my camera. so that’s it ladies… so far, my summer has gotten off to an awesome start!
Sweet Tiggie, thank you for sending in this detailed report. She got the 411 on Apolo's cat - the other Tiggy!
I think I got to booth 108 around 12:30 to check it out--I could see a table and a tall stool where I assumed Apolo would be sitting. HE DID NOT SIT AT ALL FOR THE ENTIRE FOUR HOURS!!!! He went on a few (maybe three?) short (15 min.) breaks, but other than that he was smiling, laughing, being so generous and gracious with everyone while signing things and posing with all of us. But back to my play-by-play. Well, I walked around and called Isabel, but her dad said she'd already left. So, I went back to booth 108 a few minutes later and THERE WAS APOLO!! He was sitting on the stool, fanning himself because the AC needed to be turned up with so many people. He was just sitting there waiting for the event to start and he was with two tall women who I believe were his agents. Apolo is just stunning. So perfectly handsome, tanned, beautiful. His hair isn't too long, and the way it's cut, it flips up in naturally wavy layers at the back and his hair is that gorgeous light brown and it's SO THICK and luxurious-looking--I wanted to run my fingers through it, as he did many times during the day! Then Apolo was escorted toward the back exit with security and his agents, and they're walking straight for me where I've left a space for people to walk by (it was really crowded). Apolo walks right in front of me, so I say very shyly, "Hi, Mr. Ohno." Am I a dork, or what?? He looked up and quietly said, "Hi." I think walking through the crowd made him somewhat nervous, and they always had security beside him. A few minutes later, Apolo and everyone returned, and Apolo started the event EARLY at 12:45. Have you ever heard of such incredible generosity? I know he began the Oakbrook event early too. He is such a sweetheart! Also, he was wearing a short-sleeved shirt which had a yellow geometric pattern similiar to the Kids' Choice Awards shirt and black jeans and black suede-looking shoes. YUMMY! The event consisted of waiting in line and then going up to Apolo and asking him to sign anything you might have except clothing, hats, BODY PARTS, haha! Then, you and Apolo posed while a professional photographer took a digital picture and they printed it. You then had to attend the eBay event at 6:00 PM to get the pictures; they said they would e-mail us links to the digital images. So, I think maybe I was 5th or so in line. When it was my turn, I just remember looking up at Apolo standing there, waiting for me. I said what I had prepared to say: Me: It's such an honor to meet you. Thank you for inspiring us. Apolo: Thanks. Then I got out the stuff for him to sign. My fave pic from RS in the black tank top and the issue of Time Magazine for Kids with him skating on the cover. Apolo: (something like) Is this for someone? Me: Susan. He's signing the pic. Me: How's Tiggy? Apolo (smiling): She's great! Me: Is she an orange cat? (I asked because I had brought an orange Beanie Baby cat to give him). Apolo: She's a tabby. Me: What color is she? Apolo: She's a gray tabby. At some point here, when he's signing the Time for Kids cover, I asked if he had that issue (since it's a kids' magazine like Weekly Reader) and he said, "Yeah." Then I said something like, "You really inspire kids." Then I finally found the package of little furry mouse cat toys to give him. Me: These are for Tiggy. Apolo (smiling): Thanks. Then it was time for us to pose. THIS IS THE BEST PART! I was so nervous that I wasn't looking at the camera, and I dropped my own camera, and just having Apolo's hand on my back and mine on his and being so close was a "NO WORDS!" moment! But then, as we're posing, Apolo says to me in his quiet, soft-spoken way: "My cat will love that. She loves toys." THAT WAS THE MOST ADORABLE THING!! Here we are posing and he doesn't have to say anything, and he says the cutest, sweetest thing! I am still smiling! So after that first pose, I say, "Thank you so much!" and pick up my stuff. I checked the line, and I found Molly! Meeting Molly was like meeting a celebrity since she's so famous and we all know her from her pics and posts! Then Isabel came up! It was a real OZ moment! So we all went up, and we planned to have each other take our picture with Apolo with OUR OWN CAMERAS along with the professional photographer. So we all go up with Isabel, who wanted me to go up first, and Apolo smiles and says, "Again?" Blushing, I just said, "Thank you so much." I think I repeated "Thank you for inspiring us," like the dork that I am! Anyways, during this session I noticed a lot of eye contact with Apolo that didn't happen before because the first time I was so nervous and dropping stuff, I didn't really look at him. So this time, I'm so goofy with joy that after Molly's cousin and others took pictures and I saw the flashes, I thank Apolo and start to leave, and the photographer asks, "Don't you want your picture taken?" I'm such a dork!! So I go back and pose, embarrassed beyond belief, and say to Apolo again, "Thank you so much." Then it's Isable's second turn, and she asks Apolo (or the lady running the event) if we can all pose with Apolo, and he graciously agrees. Oooh, I get to be close to Apolo again, and this time, I'm fully aware of his hand and my hand on his back. Ohhh....sigh...Just before the picture was taken, I worried that I was blocking Apolo, so I kind of moved in a little, that's why it looks like I'm leaning against him or sniffing him (I really wasn't--really!). We thanked Apolo, and he said, "Thanks for coming out." Then we met Abigail! She had that awesome Nike sunglasses poster which I had never seen before. She had Apolo sign it. Then Molly had Apolo record a message into her cell phone!! He actually giggles in his adorable way! After that, we kind of just hung around and drooled over Apolo's stunning gorgeousness! You could actually stand pretty close to the table where he was signing things and take pics, or as Abigail and I did, stand right behind the professional photographer so it was like Apolo was looking at US! We spent the most heavenly 4 hours with our angel Apolo! We watched him take photos with the eBay employees, then we watched him pack up all his stuff (I saw him personally put the package of furry mouse cat toys I had given him into his bag!). I will never forget this incredible day!
Thanks for visiting OHNO ZONE: Web resources for fans of Apolo Anton Ohno with the latest Ohno news, competition info, photos, appearances and more. Most of our photos,
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- Todd & Noelle
Comments by: YACCS
