COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Hollywood television producers and casting directors know a performer when they see him, which is why five-time Olympic medalist short track speedskater, Apolo Ohno (Seattle, Wash.) has been named one of 11 contestants to compete on the fourth season of the popular show Dancing with the Stars.  Beginning March 19 at 8 p.m. ET, Ohno will trade his skates for dance shoes as he looks to impress judges and win votes from millions of American viewers.

Ohno is not the only Olympian and athlete among the group of contestants.  The two-time Olympian and Olympic gold medalist is one of three athletes who will compete on the show – a first for the series.  He is joined by 1992 U.S. Olympic Basketball “Dream Team” member, Clyde Drexler (Houston, Texas) and by Laila Ali (Miami Beach, Fla.).  Drexler has been named by the NBA as “One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History” and is a member of the 1995 Portland Trailblazers NBA Championship Team. Ali is an undefeated world champion female boxer and the youngest daughter of boxing legend and Olympic gold medalist Muhammad Ali (Louisville, Ky).

At 24 years old, Ohno is the youngest contestant to compete on the show.  He is paired with 18-year-old professional dancer Julianne Hough, who is also one of the youngest professional dance partners to ever appear on the show.  Hough will make her debut on Dancing with the Stars in the two-hour series premiere, March 19, on ABC.

While Ohno is used to the pressure of competing on the world’s biggest stage – the Olympic Games, it never involved doing the cha cha, foxtrot, tango or the waltz.  “I’m extremely excited about this opportunity to be on the show,” said Ohno.  “My partner, Juliann, is amazing.  At our first meeting I gave her a pair of ice skates as a token of appreciation for all the enthusiasm and talent she brings to our dance team.  I think we’re going to bring a fresh, new kind of energy and flavor to the table.”

Unlike some of the other contestants on the show who have a history with or professional training in dance, theater and/or stage performance, Ohno is coming off the Olympic circuit having competed in the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy last February and training for the 2007 World Championships next month in Italy.  Aside from some break dancing moves he’s showcased on MTV and other talk shows, Ohno is stepping out of his element – the ice –and is embracing the opportunity to demonstrate that America’s Olympic athletes are of interest and relevancy to young audiences – even during non-Olympic Games years.

Each of the 11 contestants met their professional dance partners earlier this week and will begin rehearsing immediately.  However, Ohno has a few other major milestones before he can actually begin practicing with his partner.  Ohno is competing in the 2007 U.S. National Short Track Championships in Cleveland, Ohio, Feb. 22-25.  The event serves as the 2007 U.S. World Team Trials. In hopes of placing within the top five, Ohno will go on to compete in the 2007 ISU World Short Track Speed Skating Championships in Milan, Italy.

Ohno’s schedule will allow him to have far fewer rehearsal and training days with Hough, in comparison to other contestants.  However, as Olympic sports and Ohno fans have come to know, this Seattle native, with his signature bandana and soul-patch style, has proven that he performs best under pressure.

If all goes according to plan, Ohno hopes to be voted and selected the winner of the coveted Mirror Ball trophy on the series finale on May 22.

Ohno will compete against the following celebrities:

Laila Ali - World Champion female boxer and daughter of boxing legend and Olympic gold medalist Muhammad Ali

Billy Ray Cyrus - Singer

Clyde Drexler - 1992 Olympic gold medalist & NBA legend

Joey Fatone - Musician/actor/Broadway star (*NSYNC, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Rent)

Shandi Finnessey - Miss USA 2004

Leeza Gibbons - TV/Radio personality (Entertainment Tonight, Extra)

Heather Mills - United Nations Goodwill Ambassador

Vincent Pastore - Actor (The Sopranos, Goodfellas)

Paulina Porizkova - Model

Ian Ziering - Actor (Beverly Hills 90210)

About Dancing with The Stars Hosted by Tom Bergeron (America’s Funniest Home Videos) and Samantha Harris (E! Entertainment), the celebrities will perform choreographed dance routines which will be judged by renowned Ballroom judge Len Goodman and dancer/choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.