Nick Inzerello: Do you consider speedskaters as great athletes?
Apolo Ohno: Most definitely, I think speedskaters have to be some of the top athletes in the world. They have to have everything. Speedskaters have to have a lot of endurance too. There is also a lot of strategy and mechanics all in the same sport. So I would definitely say yes.

NI: What do you see as some of the major differences between long and short track speedskaters?
AO: Some of the major differences are that in long track you are racing against the clock. Long track is more focused on speed than short track. The biggest thing in short track is strategy. We compete against other skaters and strategy is so important in determining who wins the race. The strongest athlete wins in long track most of the time.

NI: Do you think Olympian Michael Johnson could be a great speedskater?
AO: If he knew how to skate he probably would be, because he is such a great athlete.

NI: Because you are fast on the ice track, does this make you fast on the running track?
AO: No, because I am only 5'7" and my legs are too big so I am not moving too quick.

Word Association: NI - AO
Salt Lake City - Podium
Dan Jansen - Unbelievable
Clap Skate - Mechanics
Bonnie Blair - Incredible
United States Olympic Committee - Helpful
Olympic Winter Games - Incredible
Teammates - Friends
Gold Medal - Dreams

NI: Does it ever become tiring to train for the upcoming Olympic Winter Games?
AO: I never get tired of training and preparing myself for Salt Lake. I am only 18 years old so I really haven't been in this sport for very long. I am still hungry right now for winning medals especially because Salt Lake is approaching.

NI: What's the best thing about training for the upcoming Olympic Winter Games?
AO: Knowing all the hard work pays off when you step up to the racing line. It feels great to know that all the sacrifices you give up in life are going to pay off. I have to believe that all the work is going to pay off.

NI: Is short track speedskating a physical sport?
AO: Not really but some people may see that when they watch it. There is some bumping and people do fall but our sport is supposed to be really clean. Sometimes people get disqualified for pushing or contact. It's difficult to skate a clean race because it's such a fast sport.

NI: What is another Olympic sport that you would like to compete in if it weren't for speedskating?
AO: I really like track cycling. Chris Witty, who is another speedskater doing both, has appeared in both the Olympic Winter Games and the Olympic Games. I think to be a part of both Olympic Games would be a great accomplishment.

NI: Where would you put a gold medal?
AO: I would give it to my dad. He has been a tremendous influence in my life so I would definitely give it to him.