This innovative event is envisioned as much more than a sporting contest, with Pacific Rim arts, culture and medical 'summits' taking place alongside the athletic one:

What makes this unique is that alongside the sports will be events such as the Pacific Rim Health Summit, as well as commerce and cultural events. Among the other activities envisioned that week will be a U.S.-China economic conference, as well as an arts celebration that will join U.S. and Asian talent in various themes: hip-hop culture, contemporary music, poetry, film, classical dance and comedy.

If successful, this event may take on a life of its own, with repeat performances being planned in 2006 (possibly in China) and 2007. Full article

See also: USA-China Sports Summit set for 2005
(via US Olympic Committee)

Starting in now on pics from Saturday in Sweden. This set is from warmups on day 2 of the World Short Track Championships.

Martin Johansson, Apolo Ohno, J.P. Kepka, Shani Davis warming up

Apolo and Martin Johansson of Sweden

Apolo and a French dude

Two new fan sites

Theresa of Simply Apolo has created 2 new sites:

1) Yahoo planning group for American Cup 1 in Saratago Springs. If you are interested in attending this competition, join the group here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/americancup1ny/

2) Fan site for skating sensation Marin Austin. Check it out here:
http://www.marinfan.com/

Nice work!

Here's the official news from USS:

Derrick Campbell Named Managing Director of Short Track for U.S. Speedskating via US Speedskating

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO., July 26, 2004 - U.S. Speedskating has announced the hiring of Derrick Campbell as Managing Director of Short Track.

Most recently, Campbell served as short track coach for both Speed Skate Canada and the Olympic Oval in Calgary, Alberta. He held both positions since 2000. During that period, he helped coach Canadian skaters to numerous medals in international competitions, including seven medals during the past season.

A three-time short track Olympian himself, Campbell participated in the 1992, 1994 and 1998 Olympic Games. He was a member of the Canadian gold medal 5000-meter relay team at the 1998 Games in Nagano, Japan.

In 1999, Campbell was inducted into the Canadian Speed Skating Hall of Fame, and this year he was honored with induction into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame.

"I am very excited to join the U.S. Speedskating Team, and become a contributing member to a long standing federation rich in tradition and success," Campbell said.

"Derrick will bring a wealth of experience in speedskating and coaching education to short track in the U.S.," said U.S. Speedskating’s Executive Director Katie Marquard. "U.S. Speedskating is fortunate to have someone of his caliber leading our short track program and we are looking forward to him starting his new position."

Stars & Stripes | ‘Fastest man on ice’ Ohno to visit USAFE bases

“I am very excited to be a part of the Air Force tours,” Ohno said. “I feel a similar connection with the Air Force in representing the United States, because I was a part of the Olympic Games and also through many international competitions. It will be an honor to meet all of these men and women who dedicate themselves to our country.”