3 Keys That Make Apolo Ohno An Overcoming Champion

VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 20: Apolo Anton Ohno... Young Apolo Ohno was not always as sure of what he really wanted in life as he is today. Apolo’s biography reveals that at age 14 he was a young rebel, running with the wrong crowd who were criminals and druggies. (Image by Getty Images via Daylife)

His father, Yuki, had been with the challenging role of being a solo parent when his son was just 1 year old. Yuki noticed his little son’s fascination for speed when he was just 3 years old and so bought Apolo a pair of roller blades. That was the beginning of this Olympian’s destiny.

From a very young age young Ohno was winning competitions on the ice rink.

Then the 1998 Olympics proved to bring a very strong challenge to both father and son. Apolo had lost his game and went home discouraged and defeated.

1. Decision.
Yuki was not happy with his son’s lack of focus. He sent him off to a remote cabin by the sea to stay there alone until he could come to a real decision as to what he REALLY wanted in life.

After several days of walking along the beach lost in his thoughts this young man came to a firm decision. He wanted to skate.

He called his father with the news. Yuki of course was happy, and their relationship was restored.

This was the beginning of a new chapter in Apolo’s life. Now he KNEW what he REALLY wanted. This is what it takes to be able to submit to the discipline required to train as a champion.

2. Training.
Now the training really began. The old associations which were leading him astray were left behind and he submitted himself to an intense daily training program.

Here is a summary of the daily workout that this young champion subjects himself to: Eight sets of two repetitions at 1,000 pounds on the leg press, one leg at a time, holding the weight between each set. Then bench hops. Then one-legged hops. Then, in the afternoon, treadmill training, alternating each minute between 12 and 15 miles an hour for 20 rotations.

3. Focus
Because Apolo knows what he REALLY wants he is prepared to pay the price for it. He is laser focused and relentless. Consequently he is unstoppable.

Yuki says concerning his son:
His view is clear and focused. It is so loud, I’m afraid. It is like having a dominant focused lion sitting next to me.

Now that is focus!

And guess what? His focus not only kept him in the race when he fell, but it kept him inside of the winner’s circle as he came in third to win the Bronze.

So what can you and I learn from this young Olympian’s example?