TECHNICAL UPDATE Our friends over at YACCS are assisting us in our transition to self-hosted comments. You will notice slight changes in the look and feel, but it'll mostly look and work like we do currently. Bear with us as, no doubt, there'll be a few technical hiccups along the way. The worst-case scenario would mean the OZ might be down for a couple hours on Saturday or Sunday. Best-case: you won't notice a thing. In either case, don't freak...it'll all be fixed soon!!!!
So, what exactly does the Ohno Zone do? It's not exactly an easy question to answer. It's a question I am asked more and more these days. A new friend, also named April (from Texas) asked me just today to explain it a little. On the surface, sure, we're a resource for fans of Apolo Anton Ohno. But, we're way more than that now. After experiencing the World Cup in Salt Lake City last weekend, I had the real-live sense of community we so often talk about here. Heck, I'm always the first person to toss that word around. It's not just some ideal...it exists here online and in the offline world, too. Meeting so many of you for the first (and hopefully not last) time made me really understand the power of what's going on here. We started out with a terrific idea, poured in lots of hard work and dedication...and nurtured it...and I guess, nurtured ourselves along the way. Where did all of this come from, exactly? I don't know...but I do know that I wouldn't change a thing. It's kinda like magic, right? Maybe it's not such a mystery. Good things happen to good people. It's too easy to say we just got lucky....right place/right time. It's more than that. Yes, Apolo's been terrifically successful...but that didn't guarantee our success. Look at how many other great fans sites have come and gone in twelve months. So, what exactly have we got here? Great fans, great athlete, great sport, great respect for each other...somehow we got the mix just right. I've spent the past year being completely in awe of all of you. Salt Lake just reinforced it for me. As we round the corner toward our one year anniversary, take a moment to think about the ways you've been impacted by the people and the spirit of this place. What we're all a part of here in the Ohno Zone is pretty damned special. You have always, and will always, amaze me. And, if you're new to this place, just jump on in. You are in good hands. You are all welcome here. Anyway, April from the "microscopic" town in Texas...welcome. Make yourself at home!
posted by todd stuart |
1:37 AM
Friday, February 14, 2003
Here are photos and a report from April about showing Apolo the book of artwork she made for him.
I e-mailed their reporter today to tell him how nice their coverage is and to pass along to Apolo a hello and good luck from the Ohno Zone. He wrote back and said: "We will try to talk to Apolo about the ohno zone people during the event. And Jean-Francois Monette of course, who seem to be one the favorite Canadian skaters on your website..." He also says it is -40 degrees in Chicoutimi. Brrrr....
IMPORTANT - World Cup from Chicoutimi: In order to avoid busting YACCS again, I've set up a group where we can go chat as the results roll in from Chicoutimi this weekend. You can join the group here: http://groups.msn.com/ChicoutimiChat/ and to go straight to the chat room, click the 'chat' link.
Here is the schedule for this weekend's World Cup action (1500m prelims start at 5PM, think that's ET):
14 février 2003 (Friday) -17h00 Préliminaires 1500m -19h00 Cérémonie d’ouverture -Quarts de finale, demi-finales et finales 1500m -Demi-finales relais féminins 3000m
15 février 2003 (Saturday) -11h00 Préliminaires 500m -14h00 Quarts de finale, demi-finales et finales 500m -Demi-finales relais masculins 5000m
16 février 2003 (Sunday) -11h00 Préliminaires 1000m -14h00 Quarts de finale, demi-finales et finales 1000m -Finales 3000m -Finales relais féminin 3000m et masculin 5000m
posted by noelle . |
11:57 AM
Thursday, February 13, 2003
Attention Bay City peeps (and everyone else too): I've been meaning to post this since before SLC. We're just two weeks out from the U.S. Championships, and on top of all the fantastic skating in store, there are some great opportunities for fans and spectators to attend the banquet dinner Saturday night as well as pre-order a video of the weekend's competition for $20.
-- Banquet is Saturday night at the Bay Valley Resort (official hotel) and tickets are $30 per (available till they're sold out) -- Pre-order the video for $20 (it will go up to $30 later) to save yourself from having to film -- this is also a great way to see the races for those who can't make it to Bay City.
A bit of news: Apolo has two appearances coming up in late March. He'll be appearing in Wadsworth, CO (near Denver) on March 29 and in Richmond, VA on March 31. Details to come. Let's hope it's not another banking seminar! I've noted the new appearances on the schedule page.
posted by noelle . |
6:20 PM
Tuesday, February 11, 2003
quick impressions: stephen gough [head coach, team usa]
Attending the World Cup this weekend in SLC was fast and furious for me, and for many others in attendance. Despite the frenetic pace and excitement, one thing remained certain: Stephen Gough is rock-solid, an anchor in the eye of the storm. To say he is intelligent and focused is an understatement. He gets amazing results from his athletes, blending their natural abilities with his expertise. Team USA is nothing short of thrilling because of his tutelage. He is, at once, completely focused on the business of managing the team, and completely affable…willing to endlessly answer questions and proffer a stunning array of statistics from memory. If you get the chance to see Team USA compete live (and I absolutely demand that you do!) not only will you have the chance to see our team hard at work, you will see them excel under Stephen’s leadership.
There was no way I could have been adequately prepared. Like a tsunami, it hits me: all of these people are part of the Ohno Zone family! There were so many introductions and hugs and handshakes that it became increasingly difficult to mentally document everyone in attendance. In some ways, it’s so mind-blowing to think the Ohno Zone family is that big and that active! And then there’s the stunning realization just how many more of you were not there! I think back to the beginning (almost a year ago) and could NEVER have imagined this. Overwhelmingly, the OZ family is populated with wonderful people, and I was so proud to have had a part in creating this community. The real kudos, of course, go to all of you out there…for keeping this place alive with your enthusiasm, support and love of Short Track and Apolo. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: you are incredible!
Our boys collect their relay silver, Utah Olympic Oval, Sunday 2/9/03
posted by noelle . |
12:41 AM
Monday, February 10, 2003
Technical Update
It's time for a change! Basically, we've busted YACCS. So, with the help of all of our tech-savvy friends, we'll be switching to something that allows us to host all of our own stuff. Since today is a travel day, I don't expect much progress until tomorrow...but I wanted to keep you updated. We'll get our comments back as soon as possible!
Wasn't yesterday awesome!? I see you guys broke the comments in your posting frenzy. Just a far-reaching effect of the OFF, I'm sure! I don't know where to begin so I'll just jot down a few things that come to mind.
+ By all accounts, Apolo's difficulties Friday and Saturday were largely due to the ice. From my understanding, Apolo is not light on his skates as many other skaters are, and with the ice at the Oval being very hard and also brittle, his blades were not gripping the ice well and it was just breaking out from under him constantly. Saturday night he reviewed videotape of the previous days' races and made some adjustments both to his strategy -- proving his superior conditioning -- and his skating style to try to be a bit lighter on the ice. Whatever he did, it paid off, in spades!
+ Derek Gray's DQ yesterday in his 1000m quarterfinal happened right in front of Todd and me. Derek was attempting a pass around the turn and he and the Dutch skater went flying into the pads literally under my nose. It's the closest I've been to a crash. I knew someone would be DQ'ed, but I wasn't sure whether it would be Derek or the Dutch skater. Derek thought he was cross-tracked, and his coach agreed, as I heard him explain in his statements to the press later that day. I don't know why no video review took place.
+ Apolo's 1000m and 3000m victories were both sweet and thrilling. The 3000 is by far my favorite race. It's fascinating to see the different tactics the skaters use and the changes in tempo during this long race. Apolo seems a natural at this distance.
+ The U.S. men did great in their relay! It was a great cap on the weekend's competition. When they came out for the medal-less medal ceremony, the guys all took a lap around the edge of the rink, slapping our palms and high-fiving the crowd assembled along the boards. All the skaters were throwing their bouquets to the crowd, and I think Apolo got one of his to Jan.
+ The spectators were awesome!!! And you know who made up the biggest contingent in attendance? OHNO ZONERS! The crowd was obviously there to see Apolo and the U.S. team, and the team later spoke of how much they appreciated that support and how good it felt. But this was a great crowd for ALL the teams and competitors. Apolo remarked to me later and others on the team also noticed how we - the crowd - got behind all the teams and skaters out there, clapping and cheering them on enthusiastically. I think it made a great impression. I'm proud of us. A lot of new short track fans were made this weekend. And it's all because of Apolo.
+ Most bewildering aspect to the weekend: What was up with the medal ceremonies? The athletes all received bouquets on the ice, and nothing more. Apolo said he hoped he'd be getting his medals later at the awards banquet, but no medals were presented there, either. In place of medals, medal-winning athletes received their choice of gifts: some kind of portable radio built into a knit cap, a coffee table book commemorating the 2002 Winter Games or a blue bathrobe. It was surreal. What happened to good old gold, silver and bronze?
posted by noelle . |
9:28 AM
Sunday, February 09, 2003
quick hello!
Noelle and I wanted to say hello...we've just returned from the Olympic Oval where we spent the day with all the great short track athletes and fans. Most importantly, we got to spend some time with the Ohno Zone family members who made the trek to Utah! Noelle and I were so happy to hear (once again) from Yuki, Apolo and Will (Apolo's new agent) that they are all so supportive of the Ohno Zone and are so appreciative of everyone's enthusiasm and positive support...so way to go, gang!
Both Noelle and I promise to update later this evening! And hey...how about that terrific skating today?!?!? ;)
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
