POSTED: Sunday February 21st 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bonnie Blair, US Speedskating, U.S. Olympic Committee Congratulate Seven-Time Olympic Medalist Apolo Anton Ohno

Ohno earns title of most decorated winter US Olympian in history

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Short track speedskater Apolo Anton Ohno (Seattle, Wash.) made history Saturday night, winning the bronze medal in the men's 1,000m at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The medal marks Ohno's seventh throughout his career, distinguishing him as the most decorated U.S. winter Olympian in history.

This seventh medal moves him past his previous tie with long track speedskater Bonnie Blair at six medals. Blair won five gold and one bronze medal in four Olympic Winter Games: 1984, 1988, 1992 and 1994. On Saturday night, Blair attended the event at Pacific Coliseum and watched Ohno make history. She congratulated him on his win:

"I'm very happy for Apolo's accomplishment," Blair said. "It's a great feat for him, US Speedskating, and the United States of America. We hope that more kids will see his accomplishments and want to try our great sport that has been so good to us and taught us so much about what it takes to be successful in life."

U.S. Olympic Committee Chief Executive Officer Scott Blackmun also offered his congratulations:

"Apolo's medal today is truly a testament to his hard work, his dedication, and his commitment to reaching his dreams," Blackmun said. "He has created a lasting legacy, not just for his medals won, but for the sportsmanship and character he has displayed throughout his quest. He is an inspiration and a role model to all Americans, and we are thrilled to congratulate him on this seventh medal."

Added US Speedskating President Brad Goskowicz : "US Speedskating has had a great history at the Games, and Apolo has written a brand new chapter in that story. We could not be prouder of his latest accomplishment!"

Apolo's seven Olympic medals:
o     2002 - 1500m - gold
o     2002 - 1000m - silver
o     2006 - 500m - gold
o       2006 - 1000m - bronze
o     2006 - 5000m relay - bronze
o     2010 - 1500m - silver
o     2010 - 1000m - bronze

Bonnie Blair Contact: Peter Raskin, The Agency Sports Management, Peter@theagencysports.com.

For more information, please contact the USOC Communications Division at (719) 866-4529 or visit www.teamusa.org . Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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Keywords · USOC · Vancouver 2010 · Apolo Ohno · Bonnie Blair

Name: Usoc Communications Division
Organization: U.S. Olympic Committee
Email:
Phone: (719) 866-4529
URL: www.teamusa.org

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