Here's an article about J.P. Kepka and Misi Toth, both representing the U.S. in Budapest this weekend at Jr Worlds:

Kirkwood event carries on local skating tradition

Reminder from Joanna for those of you going to SLC:

A group dinner will be held Thursday, Feb. 6 at Cafe Pierpont in downtown Salt Lake City. Joanna needs to give a final headcount to the restaurant by January 27, so make sure to email her directly if you plan to attend. More details about the group dinner are available in Joanna's SLC group on Yahoo:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/slc_short_track/message/516

Jan's long awaited Las Vegas report and photos are here!

Apolo, Jan, Yuki


Yuki, Kimo, Apolo

Here is Jan's report:

As you heard from Kimo, we had a SPECTACULAR experience in Las Vegas. We had no idea that we'd be going to the rehearsal, or anything other than the show itself. We actually didn't see Apolo until halfway through rehearsal. While we were watching, Kristi Yamaguchi's agent came and sat with us, as well as her mother, so we had a nice time with them. Then after Yuki helped Apolo with his belongings, we called him over and he sat with us after hugs for us both. Kristi's agent knows and works with Janey, and was very much interested in talking with Yuki and Apolo. She asked us how long we've known Apolo and Kimo told her the whole abbreviated story. It was really funny because we got the feeling that we were "somebody" because we were with Apolo. She also told us that the figure skating tour was going to work on adding short track to it for next year!

When Apolo had a break he came over to sit with us. He had to climb over everyone to get to us, and as you heard, it was hugs for both of us. It was so special to be greeted by him with, "Hi Jan". Apolo and Yuki sat in front of us, with Kristi's agent and mother to the side of us. It was an unforgettable afternoon!

Brian Boitano, Apolo Ohno, Kristi Yamaguchi


Watching Apolo on the ice made me feel like I was getting a taste of what was to come in SLC and I can't wait! Those of you who went to Bormio already KNOW! He looked soooo good, so fluid and exciting! Apolo was actually concerned that he might get criticized for his technique during the show, and Yuki reassured him that it was okay, that it was only a show (that it was different). We were able to give them our gifts and he graciously signed our books for us. We talked about our cars, his Christmas plans and his success so far in his competitions. Janey wasn't there but an assistant was. At one point after 4:00, someone asked Apolo if he had eaten and he said no. A little later he was told that some hot food was being catered for them if he wanted to wait, so he said he'd wait. I felt like that part was not very organized. Apolo would not be the type to ask for lunch, poor guy. You'd think that someone would have checked on him earlier (sorry, some maternal instinct sneaking out).

I was feeling a little guilty about the time we were having with Apolo and Yuki. I asked them if they were going to be given time at some point to do autographs for the fans, and I told them that people from OZ were there. They didn't know what the exact schedule was so they didn't want to commit to anything. I could see why since things always seem to change from minute to minute. The time passed so quickly, and next thing we knew rehearsal wasn't even over yet but we had to go (dinner plans with fellow OZers)!

Dinner was great - started out small and grew - thank you Keiko and Junko for getting it together for us! Soon that was over and it was off to the show. The show was even a little different from rehearsal, so we wondered how much longer they were there. Our only regret was that we didn't think about having signs for Apolo, after we saw someone's WE LOVE BRIAN across the way. We were not anticipating them retaping parts of the show, so it ran over, but was interesting to watch. After seeing rehearsal, and then seeing the actual show, it reminded me of athletes in competition. They give it their all at show time! It really came together and was a great show. I liked how they incorporated Apolo in the show. He was definitely THE STAR!

At the "meet and greet" reception that followed, it was very evident that Apolo was THE STAR. First Yuka Sato came in with some of the male skaters, then the 67 yr. old Richard Dwyer (who got cheers, but no one rushed to him), and then Nancy and Kristi. Seemed like everyone left right away except Kristi. Then you knew when Apolo came in the door - screams and practically the whole room went rushing over to the door! Apolo and Yuki barely made it through the door - it was so cute to witness everyone's excitement. I don't even think Apolo realized what just happened.

The rush as Apolo enters


While we waited for him to make it around the room, Kristi's agent wanted to introduce us to Kristi. She introduced us as "Apolo's friends". She was very nice to us. We felt very special, believe me. It was so cute how Apolo came over to us. I think everyone was wondering who we were. I asked Apolo if he would mind saying hi to Melinda on the phone since I knew she was waiting for my call. He was quick to oblige but the phone wouldn't work. He would get called away every so often and he'd say "I'll be back" (he is so polite).

Apolo signing


I asked Apolo what doing the show was like, and he said "it was different!" Yuki asked him if he could hear the crowd more than when he races, because he noticed that Brian reacted to the crowd a lot and seemed to hear everything. We figured Apolo is so used to focusing so much when he's on the ice that it was probably hard for him to shift gears.

At some point I asked Apolo and Yuki if they knew about the IAN project and they said no. So I said that the fans put this project together to raise $10,000 for a room to be named after Apolo at the new Ronald McDonald House in Seattle and that the contributors were all going to be there for the grand opening. He was stunned but very pleased. I think he is overwhelmed by the things that his fans come up with for him. His dad's immediate reaction was - wow, that is huge! and asked if the media was contacted about it. BTW, CONGRATULATIONS on this humungous effort!!!

Apolo and Kristi, sharpies at the ready

We brought our Deseret News pictures that he graciously signed for some Hawaii fans. Apolo didn't remember the picture and Yuki really liked it. I gave him one since I had an extra one. We actually talked about Joanna's site, which he happened to know, because of how she groups all of the pictures together in albums.

Apolo was so tired and just wanted to go up to his room. People kept asking him if he was going to the producer's party and he would just say, "we'll see". Yuki said, "let's go to the party!" Anyway, when it was time to go, we left with them. I mentioned to Yuki that I knew two girls who came up to Seattle to have their hair cut by him and he remembered them. There was so much more said but it's all like a dream. When we exited the event center we were greeted by Melinda, her friend Elaine and Abigail. I was happy that they got to see Apolo and Yuki after all. They of course were so gracious and accommodating.

We cannot thank Janey enough for giving us the opportunity to have such an incredible experience - it was truly a special gift! And Apolo and Yuki's graciousness made us feel so special. So much was said and yet so much was left unsaid. We're grateful for the time we had and look forward to others, and we do realize how lucky we are. With the new year ahead, our hope for each of you is for all your dreams to come true!

the Ohno boys

This is a great little article, with several mentions of Apolo.

Syracuse Speed Skating Club fills the on-ice need for speed

US Speedskating will be posting a new auction item featuring a USS athlete every week this year. This week's auction is another AAO item:

Apolo Ohno Framed Autograph #2

News updates:

1 - It sounds as if Apolo's Hollywood Squares thing is the whole week. Word is that he's part of their college tournament airing the week of 2/24 - 2/28.

2 - OvalAudio will cover the US Short Track Championships in Bay City Feb 28 - March 2

Really nice article on Caroline Hallisey today in the Boston Globe:

She's up to speed: Natick's Hallisey remains on track for skating glory

Excellent news, from Rob!

It's been confirmed, so set those VCRs:
February 15, 2003
NBC 2:00 EST
World Cup Short Track - Salt Lake City

Some great Bormio shots, courtesy of Corin

1500 medal ceremony, Monette, Ohno, Guilmette

#2 Ahn, #1 Ohno, #3 Monette

The latest new banner is from L aka no-name!

Radia got her photos back from Apolo's book signing in NYC!

Radia and Apolo

This was recently posted in the threads, but not everyone may have seen it:
50 to see in 2003 See item #38

Apolo's turn on Hollywood Squares should be on the air sometime in Feb. Thanks to Rob for sending this link to the Hollywood Squares discussion area.

Thanks to Joanna, April and Yano for the all the great new logo banners.

An anonymous contributor has kindly sent in transcripts of CBC's Bormio broadcast:

1500 semifinal transcript

1500 final transcript