USG Presents Olympic Medalist Apolo Ohno: April 22

United Students Government (USG) at SUNY Buffalo State is presenting eight-time Olympic medalist Apolo Anton Ohno, Monday, April 22, at 7:00 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall.

M&T Bank is sponsoring Ohno’s inspirational talk, “Zero Regrets: Be Greater Than Yesterday,” which is also the title of his 2010 book detailing the 30-year-old’s rise to speed-skating championship.

“M&T Bank, which supports many Buffalo State endeavors, is making it possible for us to offer a speaker of Mr. Ohno’s caliber for our students and the larger community,” said Vice President for Institutional Advancement Susanne Bair. “I believe Mr. Ohno’s talk should be exciting and serve as an inspiration for everyone who attends. We are very grateful for M&T’s support of Buffalo State and its commitment to our students.”

“USG is excited to bring Apolo Ohno to Buffalo State,” said USG President Sara Garfinkle. “We want to host speakers who highlight various parts of campus, and Ohno highlights athletics. Also, his message will be one that motivates students.”

Born in Seattle, Washington, and raised by a single father, Ohno began training at age 14 with a U.S. national speed skating coach in Lake Placid, New York. He scored his first major victory—winning the U.S. short-track championship—in 1997. Just five years later, Ohno competed in speed-skating competitions in the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City where he won silver and gold medals, even after incurring an injury during one event. He returned to the Olympics in 2006 and in 2010, winning gold, silver, and bronze medals and breaking the record for most decorated U.S. Winter Olympic athlete.

In 2007, Ohno proved his skill in another area—dancing—when he joined the cast of Dancing With the Stars. Ohno and his partner, Julianne Hough, won the competition.   

During this time, Ohno continued his training and in December 2007 won his ninth national title in the 1,000- and 1,500-meter short-track races. The next year he placed first in the 500-meter race during the 2008 World Championship in South Korea and won his 10th national title in 2009. In 2012, Ohno returned to Dancing with the Stars for the show’s 15th season.

Additionally, Ohno has traveled the world pursuing non-sporting passions—including delivering inspirational talks to schools and corporations, teaming with the Century Council to fight drunk driving and underage drinking, and auditioning for film and television acting roles.

Buffalo State students can purchase $5 tickets (limit two per students) this week at the Rockwell Hall (open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and Student Union (open 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) ticket offices. On Monday, April 8, remaining tickets will be available to Buffalo State faculty and staff for $20 and to the general public for $30. Along with M&T Bank, this event is funded through USG and student activity fees.  

For more information, call (716) 878-3005.