Apolo Ohno's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Apolo Ohno. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Apolo Anton Ohno is a retired American short track speed skater and an eight-time Winter Olympics medalist. His achievements have led to his induction into both the International Sports Hall of Fame (2017) and the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame (2019).

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1997: Won the U.S. Senior Championships overall title

In 1997, Apolo Ohno won the U.S. Senior Championships overall title, becoming the youngest person to win the title at age 14.

1997: Youngest U.S. national champion

In 1997, at the age of 14, Apolo Ohno became the youngest U.S. national champion.

December 1999: Youngest Skater to win a World Cup event title

In December 1999, Apolo Ohno became the youngest skater to win a World Cup event title.

1999: Won first overall at World Junior Championships

In 1999, Apolo Ohno won first overall at the World Junior Championships and also won his second senior U.S. national championship. He finished fourth overall at the 1999 World Championships and earned a silver medal in the 500 m.

2001: First American to win a World Cup overall title

In 2001, Apolo Ohno became the first American to win a World Cup overall title and was the reigning national champion from 2001.

2001: Won his first World Cup overall title

In the 2000-2001 season, Apolo Ohno won his first World Cup overall title, regained his National title, and finished second overall in the World Championships.

2002: Continued to perform well after the Winter Games

After the 2002 Winter Games, Apolo Ohno continued to perform well in short track speed skating.

2002: Won medals at the Winter Olympics

Apolo Ohno won medals at the 2002 Winter Olympics, becoming the face of short track in the United States.

2002: Competed in the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah

In 2002, Apolo Ohno competed in the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he became the face of short-track speed skating among American fans and won two medals, albeit with some controversy.

2002: Finalist for the Sullivan Award

In 2002, Apolo Ohno was a finalist for the Sullivan Award.

October 2003: Male Athlete of the Month

In October 2003, Apolo Ohno was named the United States Olympic Committee's Male Athlete of the Month and U.S. Speedskating's Athlete of the Year for 2003.

2003: Defended his World Cup title

In 2003, Apolo Ohno successfully defended his World Cup title during the season despite declining to participate in a World Cup event in Korea for security reasons.

2003: Won World Cup overall title again

In 2003, Apolo Ohno won the World Cup overall title again.

2004: Continued his dominance by winning the World Cup title

In 2004, Apolo Ohno continued his dominance by winning the World Cup title.

2005: Continued his dominance by winning the World Cup title

In 2005, Apolo Ohno continued his dominance by winning the World Cup title.

2005: Won World Cup overall title again

In 2005, Apolo Ohno won the World Cup overall title again.

2005: Two gold medals and overall title

In 2005, Apolo Ohno won two gold medals and the overall title at the meet despite suffering from a severe stomach illness.

2006: Finalist for the Sullivan Award

In 2006, Apolo Ohno was a finalist for the Sullivan Award.

2006: Competed in the Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy

In the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, Apolo Ohno stumbled during a semifinal heat in the 1500 m and finished fifth. He was able to win the bronze medal in the 1000 m.

March 19, 2007: First appearance on Dancing with the Stars

On March 19, 2007, Apolo Ohno and Julianne Hough first appeared on the show Dancing with the Stars.

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April 16, 2007: Perfect score for Samba on Dancing with the Stars

On April 16, 2007, Apolo Ohno and Julianne Hough received the competition's first perfect score of 30 for their Samba routine on "Dancing with the Stars".

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April 26, 2007: Inducted into the Asian Hall of Fame

On April 26, 2007, Apolo Ohno was inducted into the Asian Hall of Fame, which honors achievements of Asian Americans.

May 22, 2007: Champions on Dancing with the Stars

On May 22, 2007, Apolo Ohno and Julianne Hough were crowned champions on "Dancing with the Stars".

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December 24, 2007: Won his ninth national title

On December 24, 2007, Apolo Ohno won his ninth national title in Kearns, Utah, finishing first in the 1000 m and the 1500 m. He also finished first in the 500 m, but was disqualified for crosstracking.

2007: 2007 World Championships

From March 9–11, 2007, Apolo Ohno competed at the 2007 World Championships held in Milan, Italy, winning gold in the 1500 m due to the disqualification of Song Kyung-Taek. He also won bronze in the 1000 m, 3000 m, and the 5000 m relay, becoming the overall bronze medalist.

2007: Won Dancing with the Stars

In 2007, Apolo Ohno won the season of Dancing with the Stars.

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March 2008: Male Athlete of the Month

In March 2008, Apolo Ohno was named the United States Olympic Committee's Male Athlete of the Month.

2008: Won his first overall title at the World Championships

At the 2008 World Championships in Gangneung, South Korea, Apolo Ohno won his first overall title, placing first place in the 500 m, second in the 1000 m, and third place in the 3000 m. He earned the crowd's applause with a clean skate in the 500 m.

2008: Won first overall World Championship title

In 2008, Apolo Ohno won his first overall World Championship title.

2009: Reigning champion until 2009

Apolo Ohno was the reigning champion from 2001 until 2009.

2009: U.S. Olympic Trials

During the U.S. Olympic Trials held September 8–12, 2009, in Marquette, Michigan, Apolo Ohno won the overall meet title and defended his national title, winning the finals during the 500 m, 1000 m, and 1500 m races.

2009: Won his 10th national title

In 2009, Apolo Ohno won his 10th national title and qualified for the world team. He finished fifth in the overall rankings at the 2009 World Championships in Vienna, Austria, placing second at the 1000 m and winning gold with the 5000 m relay team.

2019: Induction into U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame and book announcement

In 2019, Apolo Ohno was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame and announced he was writing a book about his transition from Olympic athlete to entrepreneur.