Last weekend in the first World Cup event, Ohno earned the overall title over Ahn by winning two races.

 “I’m happy with my consistency through the rounds of racing,” Ohno said. “This early in the season, it’s a good measure to compare against my competitors.”

All of the races were close. Ohno finished second to Ahn in the 500 (by .009 seconds), 1000 (by .164 seconds), and 1500-meters (by .297 seconds).

“It’s nice to work so hard and get good results,” Ohno said of his performance in Beijing. “I’m happy with the relay and consistent podium performances.”

The USA men’s relay team skated to a silver medal finish in the 5000-meters relay in a time of 6:46.668. The Koreans were victorious in the event with a 6:45.627 finish.  

U.S. Speedskating short track managing director, Derrick Campbell, was pleased with the relay finish as the USA men’s team “battled hard and recovered from three deficits to contend for a medal position entering the final two laps.”

“Apolo Ohno made an impressive pass on both the Canadians and Chinese to secure the second place finish,” Campbell said.

U.S. newcomer Hyo-Jung Kim, 15, skated a strong performance in the ladies’ 1000-meters event advancing all the way to the semifinals where she was disqualified. Kim finished eighth overall in the event.

After two weekends of competing in the World Cup in China, the American team returns to the USA to train for the third event in the World Cup series to be held in Madison, Wis. Nov. 26-28.