**ANOTHER OHNO ZONE SPECIAL** eBay Winner Shares Story of Skating & Lunch With Apolo
We are grateful to Melinda for kindly offering to share her wonderful tale and photos with the Ohno Zone community. Melinda has lived every fan's fantasy of spending time with Apolo in his natural habitat - on the ice and his home turf, Colorado Springs. Here is her story....
Well, where do I begin. I still can’t believe that I was just in Colorado Springs meeting Apolo! My idol. My hero. As those of you who have actually met him know, he is, by far, one of the most wonderful, kind, considerate, thoughtful and intelligent men I have ever met. He is somewhat reserved but definitely friendly and genuinely cares about you as a person and a fan. My heart just melted when we were introduced. It seemed surreal to me that I was actually there, in person. It seemed so long ago that I won the auction that to actually be there was simply incredible.
My “experience” began early on a Saturday morning. Matt, the USOC representative and the organizer of the auction, picked me up at my hotel. We then proceeded to the ice rink to watch Apolo and some of his teammates, along with members of the Japanese national team, practice. I can’t even begin to explain exactly how I felt when we walked into the rink and I saw Apolo, in person, for the first time. Stunned, amazed and awestruck come to mind. I might have even been a little breathless. I think I may have even pinched myself to make sure I was really there and not dreaming. I had to remind myself that I needed to answer Matt in coherent sentences and try to walk without tripping. As you can see from the pictures, he was wearing his grey/red skinsuit and had his hair in corn rows. Matt told me I had a choice, I could sit in the bleachers or sit in the hockey bench area where the skaters were. I, of course, picked the hockey bench area. As soon as Apolo’s coach had finished talking to the team, Apolo came over to Matt to be introduced to me. Just looking into his hazel/green eyes for the first time was enough to mesmerize me. Jan was right, his eyes are very expressive and seem to look right into you. I can’t even begin to describe my feelings when we were introduced for the first time. Afterwards, Matt informed me that Apolo did that on his own, he didn’t have too, which made me feel special.
The practice consisted of the team members doing laps. Nothing too exciting but it was still incredible to watch Apolo skate. As most of us know, he is extremely graceful, fluid and lithe on the ice. Like he’s a part of the actual ice instead of just skating on it. I know that you kind of get that feeling watching him on television but it doesn’t even come close to watching him in real life. Even when he’s just doing simple laps. Although Apolo and Matt both apologized for the lack of excitement during the practice, this to me is what the Olympics is really about. Practice and focus on what needs to get done, even mundane tasks. No lights, no media and no cameras. I, out of courtesy, did not take any pictures while he was practicing, foremost because there were other skaters there but also because I was there as a guest (practices are not open to the general public) and thought I should act accordingly. Whether it was appreciated or not I don’t know, but I like to think it was. I do know that when I won the auction back in June, a couple of my friends wanted to alert San Diego’s local media. I quickly vetoed that idea. This auction was very personal choice for me and I certainly wasn’t going to turn it into a media circus. Although I do realize that they only wanted what was best for me.
After his practice, it was time for me to get on the ice with him. What can I say about skating with Apolo? I am not much of a skater, although I did practice a few times before the trip. It was extremely hard to skate, not fall and at the same time make eye contact with him during our conversation. I’m not, by my own admission, a very coordinated person. Usually graceful and my name are never used in the same sentence; so all this took nerves of steel and every ounce of concentration I had. But what a THRILL it was to skate next to him. It wasn’t’ a “skating lesson” per se. We just skated slowly around the rink and talked about different things. He asked me questions about me, my life, friends and family and really listened to what I had to say. He made me feel like I was important to him. We also talked about the different fan sites out there. I, of course, gave kudos to Noelle, Todd and OZ and what a wonderful site it was. He told me that he and his dad sometimes go on different fan sites to check them out. We also talked about the “official” site that he and his dad are working on in connection with the USOC. He didn’t know when it would be up, but ladies, it’s definitely in the works. We laughed and joked and had a good time. And for the record, I didn’t fall. Wobbled a few times but I at least stayed on my feet albeit to the disappointment of my friends who wanted me to fall so Apolo could help me back up. I decided that if I tried to fake a fall I would only end up hurting myself even more. We also didn’t skate very long. About ten minutes or so.
Melinda takes to the ice with Apolo
After we got off the ice and while we were taking off our skates (I’m still incredibly pleased with myself that I didn’t fall) Apolo suggested that I ride with him in his car and the two of us could follow Matt to the restaurant. OMG!!! Me?!! You could have knocked me over with a feather. Me!? I get to ride in Apolo’s car?!! I’m sure I played it off well but this ladies and gentlemen was one of the highlights of my whole trip and I’m sure Apolo didn’t think anything of it. He was just being the nice guy he is. But to be able to ride in his car, chatting like friends who did this all the time was definitely a thrill for me, certainly not expected and very much appreciated. If he ever reads this, I want him to know that.
Apolo also let me take a closer look at his skates since I had never seen speed skates up close before. They were heavier than I expected. I asked if these were the same skates he wore at the Olympics and he replied “yes.” I asked if these were the only skates he had and he told me he had about four pairs but these were the ones he liked the most.
Matt and I then waited for Apolo while he changed. We then drove to lunch (with me -- in Apolo’s car) which was at the Tavern at the Broadmoor Hotel/Resort. Neither Apolo nor I had ever been there. Before we walked into lunch I gave Apolo the gift I had made him. I had made him a cross-stitch that I designed myself. He was very quiet when he opened it, examining it very closely and taking it all in. He thanked me and I could tell that he really appreciated it. I don’t think he expected a gift, especially one so intricate.
Melinda's gift 'The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.'
During lunch the three of us talked about a lot of things. His dad, our families, Salt Lake City, Janey, upcoming races and favorite foods. We even briefly talked about his upcoming New York trip. We actually talked and joked about too many things to list. It was a great conversation and everyone enjoyed themselves. At one point our waitress came up to Apolo and asked if he was “the” speed skater. He smiled and said yes. After that I teased him and told him he wasn’t “a” speed skater anymore, he was “the” speed skater. He just grinned. It was very light hearted and fun. We both ordered French onion soup and London broil for lunch. The three of us also shared a couple of appetizers. I had brought my book “A Journey” with me to lunch and he autographed it for me. Apolo did do one thing that really stands out in my mind and, at the time, made me realize just what a great person he is and endeared him to me forever. During lunch his cell phone kept ringing and at one point he finally reached over and turned it off, letting all his calls go directly to voice mail. That one simple gesture made me feel like the time he was spending with me was important to him and his calls could wait. He was and is a perfect gentleman. Very concerned about whether or not I was having a good time, that my meal was okay, etc. At one point he even played tour guide. Since this was the first time I had ever been in Colorado Springs and I was there by myself, he asked what was on my agenda for the rest of the weekend; and let me know what shouldn’t be missed during my first visit and what could wait until another time. What a sweet man!
After lunch, we took some more pictures outside the Broadmoor. After walking to our cars Apolo gave me a hug (I was melting by this time), thanked me for everything and expressed that he hoped that I had a good time because he did. All-in-all both Apolo and the USOC exceeded every expectation I had. I couldn’t have asked for a better time or better hosts. Matt was a pleasure to be around and talk to. Apolo was warm, funny, and very personable. You can really tell that he cares about his fans. All the media attention has definitely not gone to his head. He is and continues to be a very real and genuine person. Before my trip, I had heard about what a wonderful person he is but it wasn’t until I actually met him that I realized just “how” wonderful. I still, over a week later, have a smile on my face that will not go away. I have never had the urge to meet anyone as much as I wanted to meet this man and my experience with him has only deepened my admiration and respect for him. Going to Colorado Springs to meet Apolo was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one that I will never forget, ever.
OMG! Know what noL did for me?!?! She sent me Apolo's book...complete with a personal message from the man himself! HOW COOL!!! Thanks, Noelle!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Could there be any better co-pilot and friend?!?!??! Smoooooches!!! -Toddo
When I found out that Apolo was going to be just 45 minutes away from my home, I nearly flipped. It was perfect timing because my birthday was on October 1st, so I just had to go! I called one of my closest friends who knows about my love for Apolo to share the experience with me, and she came along.
He wasn't coming out until 11:15, we got there at 10:00 and ended up being the 4th people in line. I started going crazy just standing right before the table where he was signing. Two people were up before him. About 10 minutes before Billy Blanks' interview ended, I saw Apolo walking down the steps to get ready to go on. Not only did I see Apolo, but I saw Yuki! How great is this, Apolo and Yuki all in one!? I was getting really excitd by this time because it was such a reality check, he was right there and I was going to be meeting him! Well, Apolo went on stage but unfortunately I didn't get to hear much of the interview, the noise was incredible and I don't think his mic. was all that high quality. Oh well, who cares, at least I got to touch him!
So it's finally my chance to go up there. I was shaking like crazy and probably stuttering too! I went up there and layed down my plaque that I was asking to get signed and said "I doubt you remember each fan but I was the one who had traveled from Michigan to the Kentucky Bluegrass State Games and I met you there too." He paused for a second and then said "Oooh! Ok yeah, gotcha." Whether he meant it or not, just for him to say that he recalled me meant A LOT! So he signed my plaque "-Lauren- Apolo Anton Ohno Short Track 2002." I asked for a picture with him and he said "Definitely" and my friend took the perfect picture. =) Before I left, I handed him a card with a note that I had written him and asked for him to please take the time to read it and he smiled with a sincere "Okay, I will."
Well, the security guards were very strict and once you got your signature and your "ONE PICTURE" you had to get out of the way, so I went to the back to wait for my friend. I saw her shoving something in her purse as she was coming out but didn't know what it was and she was very secret about it, I asked her the whole ride home but she wouldn't tell me. So, Tuesday comes around (my birthday!) and Julie stops over at my house and hands me my present and a card. I invite her in for some cake, and everyone watched me open the gift and card. She stayed for about 45 minutes until she had to leave, and then she handed me another card. It wasn't addressed to anyone and I knew she had already given me one so I asked if it was for me, and she said yes but she really had to go. So we hugged bye and I shut the door and opened up the card, which read "-Lauren- Happy 15th Birthday! Sincerely Apolo Anton Ohno." I obvoiusly got a lil teared up just to the thought that my friend had thought to do that for me and that I was receiving a card from Apolo! My friends that were over rushed to the door to see what it was and were all incredibly happy for me. It was the birthday of a lifetime!
posted by noelle . |
12:25 PM
Tuesday, October 01, 2002
What follows is the definitive account, from Jena, in words and pictures of Apolo in NYC
Our Journey
Prologue Ralph Fiennes. That’s who Noelle and Jena saw in NYC one day before the book signing. Up until February 2002, he’d been a favorite fantasy. But no longer. However, with memories of fantasies past, Jena approached him to say hello and share a few words of admiration for his work. Reserved but gracious, he said thanks. Jena and Noelle took this as “a sign”…they were ready for their next fantasy…
Chapter 1 – Tussling Taxis It’s dawn on Monday, September 30th. Between them, Jena and Noelle have 3 VCR’s set. They head out in search of a taxi. It’s just them and the early Wall Streeters tussling for taxis. Within minutes they’re at Rockefeller Center. A few quick words to a security guard and they select “just the right position.” Standing outside in Rockefeller Center you can both hear and see the Today Show. But there’s no sign of Apolo and no Katie/DOW on-air promotion of Apolo’s appearance. The situation is looking grim. Jena and Noelle are due at the Regis & Kelly studio at 8 am. At 7:45, Jena and Noelle are sure that the next on-air segment is going to be a look at the contents of Liz Taylor’s jewelry box and not “the gem that is Apolo.”
Live With Regis and Kelly... and APOLO! story continues below...
Jena's account cont'd: Chapter 2 – Just For Fans It’s 8 am and Jena and Noelle are at the ABC Studios. At 8:40 they’re escorted into the Regis & Kelly studio. A few quick questions to the usher and they decide on 2nd row center…about 15 feet from where the action will take place. Anthony Hopkins is charming, Bonnie Hunt is humorous, but where is the Incredible One? Finally, he walks out and hops on a chair. By now you know the dress code of the day. Black slacks, cream colored silk shirt (short sleeves, buttons down the front, with a collar), the black slip-on shoes from Detroit. And a pared down jewelry look (“thank goodness“ Jena whispers to herself :)). There’s the ever-present neck chain (no key-to-success charm), the Kimo & Jan bracelet, the Olympics ring and the watch. Well…both Jena and Noelle had felt certain that Yuki would give Apolo a haircut when they were both in Detroit. But, alas…no haircut! (Yuki must have left his shears at Diffusion.) Apolo’s hair was a mane – very leonine – and very sexy nonetheless. (Just so he doesn’t go Fabio, a.k.a. “ponytail,” on us!) He favored the audience by unexpectedly running his hands through his hair and casually tossing his locks. Jena, Noelle and all the DOWS present turn to “jello” at this point…quivering in our seats – lol!
Photo op with an audience member During a commercial break, Kelly mentions – referring to the pile-up in the 1000 meter ST Olympics race - that she was screaming for Apolo “to get up!” while watching the race on TV. Noelle and Jena scream in unison “so were we!” So much for our DOW reserve! Jena also, at one point during a commercial break, calls out “Apolo, look over here” and takes the photo you’ll see of him waving (so cute, so cute!).
'Apolo, look over here!' Apolo seems very, very comfortable chatting with Regis and Kelly. Not at all nervous (he is very well-prepared!). During one of the breaks, someone in the audience calls out something like “would you date someone from Minnesota?” Apolo is unflappable and says something very cute like “why not!”
After the show ends, Apolo greets Seattleites in the audience At the end of the show, Regis, Kelly and Apolo walk over to the audience. Jena takes a few close-up photos here and calls out Apolo’s name (why be shy and reserved at this point – it’s now or never for this DOW!). Apolo turns around – right next to Jena and Noelle - and Noelle introduces herself. Of course, without missing a beat, our Prince Charming - our Sir Galahad - knows exactly who Noelle is – and gallantly gives her a very warm and welcoming “hello!” Oh, by the way… I thought I might mention it here…Noelle gets a kiss from Apolo!!! :D
[Are you all still here? Or have you fainted dead away after learning of “the kiss?”]
After the show (don’t forget to look for Jena and Noelle’s brief appearance in the show’s closing credits!) Noelle and Jena exit the studio and walk to the corner. Noelle thinks she sees Apolo getting into a car. Then decides that perhaps she’s mistaken. Jena spies a fan with an Apolo book and asks, “where is he?” To which she gets the reply “in this car!” With that, Jena takes the photo you’ll see of Apolo in the car with Janey and others. Then, the car starts to pull away… until it seems that Apolo says to Janey “that’s Noelle!” (What good manners! Thanks Yuki!) Janey has the driver stop and she lowers the window. Noelle finally meets Janey – via a handshake through the window - and gets the promise of a “chat” at the book signing. Jena takes a photo of this, too – but all she got was Janey’s arm reaching through the window!
Apolo smiles; Janey stops the car; Noelle reflected in the window
Strolling in the early autumn golden sunlight - with visions of the Golden One firmly fixed in their minds - Jena and Noelle stroll past Central Park and down Fifth Avenue to rendezvous at Rockefeller Center with OZers. story continues below...
Jena's account cont'd: Chapter 3 – The Bookman Jena and Noelle arrive at Barnes & Noble around 10:30 am. They soon find Liz, Monica, Addi, Hools, ApoloFan1332, Michelle (and apparently Denise, too while Jena was around the corner). Jena, Noelle and Liz buy their books (a limit of 2 per person – much to Jena’s dismay!) and get in line.
While waiting in line, Noelle & Makiko display the poster They go in shifts to get coffee and a bite to eat. The B&N team is deployed along 48th Street and they are a well-oiled machine. They count people in line, check each book, mark the books open to the title page (where Apolo will be signing). Then a B&N DOW comes out and makes an announcement. She says that there will not be enough time for both a personalized note/signature in the book and a photo with Apolo. So, seeing all the female fans in line, she says that she has arranged with Apolo’s agent for a non-personalized note/signature with a photo for everyone who wants one. Another DOW who has made the right decision! :) The fans are happy!
Jena, Noelle, Monica and Liz are approximately 30th in line. We go in a side door and Apolo is sitting at a table in the “Romance” section of B&N. (What more could a DOW want?) Apolo stays seated – while the DOW of the moment stands at his side (brushing up against the smooth, silk shirt and smelling the essence of Apolo…*note to Armani Fragrances*) and the B&N DOW takes each photo. Then it’s on to the next fan!
Jena decides that instead of a photo with Apolo she wants a special Apolo mini-movie. The Incredible One says “OK.” (What a champ!) So look for its premiere soon on OZ!
By 2:00 pm, B&N has successfully moved hundreds of fans through the line. Apolo’s car and driver arrive – and the car is immediately surrounded by a throng of well-behaved and very respectful fans! Apolo comes out the B&N side door – gives us all a little rock star “wave” – and hops into the car…off to his next appointment, no doubt! But like the true star that he is, he turns to wave out the back window!
[Oh…by the way…that sound you hear as Apolo’s car drives off…it’s the collective sound of “hearts melting!”]
An account of yesterday's book signing, from Vanessa
i got to barnes and noble an hour before the signing and once 1pm rolled around, the line moved rapidly. they ushered in five people at a time into the little back room that they had sectioned off for apolo and his table. once i got thru the door, there was no time to be nervous cuz there he was... sitting less than ONE FEET away. i instantly became floored by what he looked like in person . he looked GORGEOUS.. i did not believe any of you who insisted that apolo looks better in person than in pictures. but honestly it's true. there was a bright light around him which probably illuminated his looks, and it really did make him seem out of this world. his hair is much lighter than i thought, his face very tan and clear, and his eyes are just amazing. they definitely look hazel when u look into them. he glanced over at me and smiled and i just smiled back. he signed his name very quickly and i gave my camera to the girl. but i knew (like a second before i gave it to her) that the battery was dead. but i stood next to apolo and put my arm on his back anyway.!!.. hoping it would work. when it didnt, i said.. it's ok, it's not working. and apolo said, 'are you sure?' i was touched that he would even care!!! but i said, yeah it's ok (what else could i do?) so i took my poster they gave us and the book and walked away. they had sectioned off that area so that no one could even see him once u got your book signed. so i went outside to join a bunch of other fans waiting by the window near the exit for him to leave. during that time, all i could see was the BIG pile of books that he was signing for the store and his gold watch and his bracelet. they weren't letting anyone go thru the line a second time. then, they're waiting for his car to arrive so he can just leave that exit and jump into it. so we wait and he comes out and everyone is taking pictures and saying.. bye apolo thanks for coming! he just grins and looks really embarrassed. he gets in the car but his car stops at a red light. we all run up to it and continue to take his picture. he's grinning still and talking to the driver and finally the car behind his car honks at them. cause the light turned green and off they went.. sigh..
posted by noelle . |
10:44 AM
Monday, September 30, 2002
Greetings from NYC... It was wonderful to meet so many Ohno Zoners in person. All you Apolo fans are special people. And what can I say about Apolo himself? He was as lovely, gracious, kind, considerate and soft-spoken as always. It did my heart good to see him again!
I headed to the Silverdome on Sat morning after a little bit of oversleeping, which caused me and my friend to be later than we thought. We got there and headed straight to the stage. We had missed the interview so we got in line for an autograph. We couldn't see Apolo until we got almost all the way up to the front, but my first glimpse of him...I thought I was going to die. Just to see him made me so happy! We finally weaved our way up the line, and I was so nervous! I got up there, and got the autograph and my friend made us Apolo shirts w/ our names on the back, which we got signed. I got my picture with him, and he let me get right behind the table for it...ahhh! The feeling to be cheek to cheek with him is so cool! I thanked him and left, but i just wanted to die i was so happy! We wandered around a little and got in line to get an autograph from Edge, but since he wasnt there yet, I left to go to the Apolo press thing. I got there and took a seat on the right hand side, second row, i think, which i thought was pretty close. He got on stage and looked so hot all dressed up! He answered his questions, and I thought it was getting pretty entertaining, especially w/ the boxers/briefs question! Earlier, my friend had bet me $10 to ask him to marry me, she was partly joking around, and not being much of an outspoken person, I didn't really take it seriously. We joked about it some more and then i left. So when the line died down, I had a couple of questions on mind, but got up the guts to walk up there. My heart was beating so fast you have no idea! lol When I finally got my chance, I just blurted it out. "My friend bet me to ask you if you'll marry me." I know my face turned red, but i just laughed, and he was so calm, he didn't have some shocked expression on his face or anything! He's like "Well, I'm a little too young, I'm only 20." So before I left, I had to ask the infamous question, especially since they had joked about people asking earlier in the interview, so I was like, "Well, do you have a girlfriend" and he's like, no... I was so tempted to ask to get a hug or a picture, but I thought that would be a little over the edge, hehe. Needless to say, my friend never actually paid up, but to see her expression when I walked over, she was like, "I saw you on the big screen...omg, I can't believe you talked to him, and you asked him to marry you! I didn't think you'd do it!" hehe I was just so happy after that, I could have cared less about Edge! We left shortly after that because I had to get to work. I was the best experience though, totally worth it! I can't wait for my friend to mail me my pictures...I'll scan them once I get them to show you all! I want to see everyone else's too...so give me a shout if you were there!
I arrived at the Silverdome about 10:45 and made my way over to the stage area. Apolo was scheduled to appear at 11:10 and 12:50. There already was a long line in front of Apolo's spot so I decided to go sit in the audience and stake out a spot and waited, video camera in hand. When Apolo walked out I just about died. Girls, there is no way to express what seeing him in person is like. He is more beautiful in person, if that's humanly possible. He had on what looked to me like cream colored slacks and a greyish t-shirt. WARNING: Forearm veins and muscles. That boy is working out! He took his seat next to the host and they started talking. Nothing really new here except that Apolo did say that they want to make a movie of his life and he wants to play himself, but he can't right now. A guy went up to the mike and asked if there was some way he could get Apolo to sign his picture because they had closed the line(gulp!). Apolo told the guy to give the picture to him and he would sign it for him in the back. Then the host said that they were going to reopen the line(YES!).When he was done with the first interview he went backstage and I dashed over to the line. So I'm waiting, talking to my new friends behind me in line, and waiting some more. I almost passed out when I saw him through a break in the crowd. Next thing I new, I was next. I saw that some people had personalized items and some didn't. I didn't care one way or the other. I was disappointed that the security people were moving everyone along pretty fast. The security guy said "go ahead" and it was my turn. OMG! I'm freakin' 28 years old and I feel like I'm 13....Absolutely gorgeous. He was tanner than I expected, his hair, dear God that hair, is really long and lighter in person. Almost a light golden brown. Maybe it was the lighting. His eyes are light golden brown, kind of like cognac. I tried to concentrate on the job at hand and walked up. I said hi he said hi back. I brought him a t-shirt with lions on it from the Cleveland zoo and some cat toys for Tiggie (I think I robbed that idea from someone here. Don't blame me, my cat made me do it...). I put them down on the table and pushed them towards him. I said these are for you and he says "they're for me?". I'm thinking there must be some kind of echo.... Then I put my fanzine in front of him and he says "do you want me to sign it?" I thought no, Apolo, I want you to read it to me... he then asks me if I want him to sign the front cover or inside and I said that it didn't matter. So he chose to sign the cover and I'm just standing there watching him. I was fascinated. Then he looked up at me and said "what's your name?" I said Jennifer. I noticed he had slight dark shadows under his eyes. He then said " J-e-n-n-i-f-e-r?", spelling it out to get it right and I said yep. So now my name is printed above his on the cover. He handed my book back to me and I said thanks and smiled at him. I got a very sexy smile back. No you're welcome or something. He just stared and smiled. My heart did backflips as I walked away. I stood off to the side and took some pictures until I was shooed away by security. My friends and I decided to duck back in line but about halfway to the front Apolo left to eat and wouldn't be back for about an hour. We didn't want to wait so we ducked out of line and decided to come back later.
At about 12:45, we made our way back to the stage and the line was getting huge again. Not wanting to miss another opportunity to see him, we joined the line. The audience was allowed to ask more questions this time and someone asked about what he was going to do after his short track career was over. He said that so many more doors were open to him now that he didn't know what he was going to do. He did say that he was going to be a computer programmer but not anymore! The host, who was a different guy then the first one and was really funny, asked some fans in the audience to come up and have their picture taken with Apolo. Damn!!! That could have been me!!! Then a mom asked him if he would hug her daughter, who looked to be about 2-3 years old. Apolo said sure and she brought the girl on stage and he scooped her up and gave her a big hug. When the mom took her child back, she put her down and grabbed Apolo and hugged him. Nice move mom! This was the same host who spied Yuki in the audience videotaping and asked him if he wore boxers or briefs. Yuki made this motion like hell no, I'm not answering that and laughed. Apolo laughed so hard he nearly fell over backwards in his chair. Remember the laugh he did on the JKE and he raised his leg up... well, he did it again! This guy also embarrassed Apolo by bringing up his appeal with girls...Apolo must have turned eight shades of red. A girl then walked up to the mike and told Apolo that her friend had dared her to ask Apolo to marry her, or something to that effect. He laughed and said " I'm too young to get married yet. I'm only 20!" The girl, who was turning to leave, spun around and asked him if he had a girlfriend and he said "no, no I don't "...He made his way off stage and they told us that he would only be signing one item per person. I waited, again and asked my friends mom if she could take my picture. When she was done taking a picture for her daughter, I handed her my camera and walked over, again. I said hi, he just grinned this huge Cheshire cat grin. I said "I'm back again" and he just smiled.....ummm...does he always do this? I put my Journey book in front of him and he asks, again, if I want him to sign it. OK....we've been over this before...I decided not to play the smart-ass and just said yes. He signed the inside with his name, 2002 and short track. Before he signed the book I told him I came from Cleveland and was planning on making a day of it. His head snapped up and he said "you're from Cleveland?" I just blinked and said yes. My conversations aren't going so well, as you can see...He closed it and looked up at me, smiling. I pointed to my camera and I leaned in for our shot. I saw him lean in very close out of the corner of my eye. I swear we were about less than an inch apart. I took my camera, picked up my book and bags and said thank you to Apolo. He just stared at me and smiled. I scurried after my friend and her mom and asked if he was smiling in my picture. She said yes ( in the picture, he is..kinda....). My friends dad was off on the side and he said that when her mom was playing with my camera and the two of us are standing next to each other, Yuki was taping us...Oh dear God, I'm in the Ohno family video library.... Overall it was an awesome experience. Hopefully I'll get to do it again sometime because if I wasn't addicted before, I am now!!!
posted by noelle . |
4:15 PM
Sunday, September 29, 2002
LA sends the following account from Detroit:
Hi Everyone!! My friend and I got there just a little bit before the Expo started and there was a HUGE line, but it went very quickly. We went right to the stage area and sat down in the front row. Next to the stage were the signing booths, Apolo's was second from the stage, between Billy Blanks and Tara Lipinski. We sat there for a few minutes; my friend then suggested we get in line and wait through the first interview and then get seats for the second interview. We did and it was a wise move because initially the autograph line wasn't too terribly long, but grew quickly after that.
The whole event took place on the floor of the Silverdome and the celebrities were coming down the stairs from the lower half to the stage. I kept staring at the stairs and of course I turned my head for a minute and then turned back again and by then Apolo and Yuki were halfway down. I backhanded my friend in the shoulder and gasped, "there he is." Let me tell you ladies who have yet to experience seeing him in person: that first glimpse is like getting the wind knocked right out of you. I was in a perpetual daze for the the rest of the day. Pictures pale in comparison to the real, live thing.
He took the stage after Billy Blanks and the interview was a disappointment because I couldn't hear a thing because the sound was so bad. He did have on gray slacks, with black leather loafer-type shoes, and what appeared to me to be a grayish-taupe colored shirt. He had on one ring, on his right pinky, a HUGE gold watch, and the bracelet (I think) Jan and Kimo gave him. I thought I saw a necklace when he was coming down the stairs but didn't notice it when I went to get my autograph; maybe it slipped under his shirt. I missed the bracelet I was stupefied when it was my turn to get my autograph and didn't notice a thing but his face. My friend caught that -- good eye gf!!!
After the first interview, he came over and signed autographs. The man in charge by the table told us "ONE AUTOGRAPH, ONE PICTURE." The pictures he was signing were free. By the time I got up there my heart was beating so hard I thought others could hear it. I am a 37-year old DOW, and I thought there was NO WAY I would get all flustered. Boy was I wrong!! I had questions I wanted to ask him and couldn't even get them out, though there wasn't really any time for them.
I got up there and he looked up and I said Hi Apolo and told him my name. He smiled and said hi and wrote my name on my picture and signed his name. I apologized for wearing my Red Wings hat because I knew he was an Avalanche fan. He just said naw, that's fine. I asked him if I could have my picture taken with him; he said sure, and stood up and leaned over the table. I leaned in towards the table and he put his face/head right next to mine, lightly touching it and my friend snapped the picture. Of course, I was thinking, OMG I am standing right next to Apolo Ohno!!! I thanked him and moved on. It was kind of rushed because by that time there were a ton of people in line. I took one of my friend and him and then we had to leave the area. I was fortunate though, to get a ton of pictures while waiting my turn. After we left the table area, we were both literally walking in circles; I am not joking. I think we even bumped into each other!! For me, it was almost surreal simply because I have been looking at pictures and things about him for so long, that it took awhile to sink in that I really saw him in person and actually talked to him. I personally thought he wouldn't come to Michigan for some reason. I felt almost-zombiefied!!! (is there such a word???).
We then looked around a little bit and decided to get our seats early for the 12:50 interview. Apolo came on a little late and I noticed he and the guy interviewing him both had hand-held microphones (I wonder if my whining about the sound on the first one to the guys in charge by the autograph table had anything to do with it??!!!). For this one, people were allowed to come to the microphone and ask him questions. I can't really remember too much as at this point I was fighting a losing battle with my digital camera and basically just staring at him. The interviewer, after Apolo pointed Yuki out on the edge of the crowd filming everything with his camcorder, asked Yuki if HE wore boxers or briefs. Apolo threw his back and laughed so hard I thought he would fall off his chair!! We never got an answer though...hmmmm!!! I got my nerve up and asked him the question about racing in Bay City (yes that was me). I thought he might but he never mentioned it when he mentions skating in the World Cups and the World Championships. I HATE talking in front of people; I turn all red and my voice shakes, and I am pretty sure it was shaking yesterday but at least I got to look him in the eye. The interviewer told those of us who asked questions to say our names and what city we were from. When I got up there, he nodded when I said my name (I think he may have remembered me from my hat--or I would like to think so)!!
It was really nice that everything was pretty calm; no hysterical screams or anything like that. I do distinctly recall that everytime he ran his hand through his hair to push it back, you could hear several sighs and happy little moans. But it was nothing like I read about at other appearances with all the screaming ladies. Oh... and like Katherine said, it was so awesome of the interviewer to let those girls come on stage and get their pictures taken with him. He is such a classy guy and so very accommodating to his fans. The only thing he said no to was breakdancing (rats!!).
Anyhow, it was a fantastic show, and well worth the wait, to see him in person. His hair was great, his skin AWESOME -- what great coloring he has!!! I have to say, when I was standing there getting my picture with him, I felt like a troll, so good are his looks!!! And those teeth; I really like a man with good dental work!! What a guy....!!! What a day!!
Jan recently spoke with Yuki about Apolo's book, and Yuki had this to say:
"Yuki wanted to know what my favorite chapter was and he laughed when I told him about all the talk on OZ about the GF issue. He was very pleased when I told him that everyone is loving the book and admires Apolo more than ever. He said that Simon and Schuster thought it was a "mission impossible" to finish the book when they did. There was so much that went into it, lots of rewriting, and Apolo using every spare minute talking to the ghost writer. He hopes the book will inspire kids and that he can make a difference in the skating field regarding safety issues."
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,
fan encounters and comments are contributed by visitors. Many thanks to everyone who has contributed so far!
- Todd & Noelle
Comments by: YACCS
