ESPN
July 31, 2012
By Lynn Hoppes
Have you seen Apolo Ohno’s Twitter feed since he has been in London for the 2012 Olympics? Ohno, the record-setting eight-time Olympic Winter Games medalist, looks like he’s having a great time. A few days ago, Ohno was named one of the contestants for ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars” this fall, and Playbook had a chance to talk with Ohno Tuesday.
Do you wish you were competing in London?
I don’t know if I wish I were competing. I skate on frozen water. Against Michael Phelps, I wouldn’t do too well. But I do get the same rush and the same nervous energy the athletes [here] are going through. I’m having a great time here.”
Congratulations on returning to “Dancing with the Stars.” The competition with athletes Emmitt Smith, Shawn Johnson and Helio Castroneves back looks pretty stiff.
“When they called, I had to think whether I was willing to make a full commitment. I had to think about giving 100 percent and dedicating all that time. But when I heard the names of some of the other contestants, I realized that I was a great fan of many of them and they are my friends. How could I not? I think it’ll be the biggest show they’ve ever had. It’s a wonderful opportunity. I’m excited about being on the show.”
So you need to train, right?
“Hopefully, I don’t fall too many times. It’s going to be very competitive. At the end of the day, I think that’s what people love about it. I just need to stay away from the sequins and the rhinestones. I need to stay strong on this one.”
And the soul patch returns?
“Maybe it’ll be a distraction for the others!”
I hear you’ve moved to Los Angeles to work in television and film. What else are you working on?
“I have a ton of other projects with most emphasizing staying fit. I like the idea of using some of these platforms to educate and inspire people around the world. At the end of the day, that’s what drives me.”
