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Open Letter to the United States Olympic Committee
From: Apolo Anton Ohno Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2003 Subject: US Speed Skating Federation To: USOC Note: Apolo Ohno wrote this letter to the United States Olympic Committee on behalf of himself and his teammates in Colorado Springs. The skaters have united to press their demands to US Speedskating via this request for intervention to the US Olympic Committee. Since this letter was written, the USOC has met with the athletes to explore their concerns in more detail. This letter is in regards to US Speed Skating's recent decision to force National Team Head Coach Stephen Gough to resign. The reason I am contacting the USOC is on behalf of all the athletes training under Stephen Gough. We know that US Speed Skating will not hear the athlete's voice and hope that you will help support us. The organization and structure of US Speed Skating has brought the athletes many problems. The organization's decision-making method is unethical and political. Everything is done behind "closed doors" and no athletes have actually been consulted on this conflict. I am sure that the outcome would have been much different if this matter was handled in a professional way. As a result, U.S. Speed Skating has proposed that athletes will have a position in the next decision for head coach. According to the president of U.S. Speed Skating Andy Gabel, "they will have full ability to ask questions and offer comments as the process continues, but will not be involved in the final decision period." [The athletes involved with the coach search committee are] Caroline Hallisey and myself. Despite this, the athlete's decision is not final and in the end the athletes have absolutely no effect on who will be the team's coach. I have initiated meetings with just about all of the National Team Members here in Colorado Springs on this issue. The team agrees that the process was not professional and it was not the right decision. These athletes demand that Stephen Gough be put back into our skating careers for the next 3 years to prepare for 2006. Those that are at the table for the final decision-making will not be competing in the next Winter Olympics. When U.S. Speed Skating decides to fire a coach or ask them to resign, it brings the athletes back to square one. We start all over again with a new head coach with a new plan and we do not even have a full 3 years to prepare for the upcoming Winter Olympics, but Stephen Gough knows how all of the athletes work and has an outstanding plan to bring home medals in 2006. Stephen Gough's plan was completely derailed in his goals of pushing his skaters to new levels of competition because of US Speed Skating. We never progress forward and it hinders our opportunities to reach the podium at all big competitions and our performance in pursuit of the 2006 Olympics. I have worked with Stephen Gough for years and in my entire skating career I have not worked with a coach who was as dedicated or who has his pure talent. He not only was going to help me achieve my goals and dreams over the next three years, but other athletes on the team as well. Overall, 2006 is going to be very challenging for all athletes. The main goal for us all is to be as prepared as possible with the absolute best coaching, training and mental attitude. To reach the podium we need every bit of help through a head coach. Honestly, this could have been achieved through Stephen Gough but is now very threatened. As the number one athlete in my sport, I feel that I need the absolute best place to train, the best people to train with, and the best coaching. If this is taken away from me, I will become deeply disturbed. Now, I feel as if someone (U.S. Speed Skating) has tampered with my goals and dreams. More specifically, I have a strategic plan to perform at very high levels in 2006 and bring home medals as well. After talking with some of my teammates, we came to the conclusion that we all feel cheated in a way and that our performances will be altered due to this decision. Every one on the team and I see and feel that Stephen Gough has the potential to be one of the best coaches in the world and can bring the National Team to the next level and he has not yet been given that opportunity. This was Stephen Gough's first year as head coach. A coach is not going to be perfect in his first year as the head coach. It takes time and experience. A number of the athletes have written letters to U.S. Speed Skating in response to the situation. Other athletes have tried to contact members of the federation and have not received correspondence. We are asking you, as a part of the United States Olympic Committee, for help in hopes that you can give us support. We are the ones who are going to be performing on the big stage in the 2006 Winter Olympics and we want to be heard. The reason that I am contacting the USOC on behalf of all of the athletes here is because we have no hope with U.S. Speed Skating when it comes to voicing our beliefs and feel that things need to be changed. Thank you for your help and understanding on this. Please feel free to call me anytime about this urgent matter. Sincerely, Apolo Anton Ohno Ohno Zone Home |
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