As Father's Day approaches, we have to give props to our most famous short-track Dad!
CELEBRATING DAD — Single-dad of Apolo Ohno, other dads, challenge traditional rolesBy Evangeline Cafe /Northwest Asian Weekly / June 14, 2012
He is one of the most widely-recognized single fathers in the world. Yuki Ohno has spent the past two decades cheering on his son from the stands, prodding him to believe in himself and to never give up. His son, Apolo Anton Ohno, grew up to become the most decorated American Winter Olympian after winning eight medals in short track speed skating. Ohno told Northwest Asian Weekly that while being a single father has been the most challenging experience of his life, it has also been the most rewarding.
“It was tough. At the beginning, I did not have confidence that I could do this alone. I wasn’t sure at all, but I had no choice but to do it,” he said.
Behind the athlete is the strength of a single dadApolo’s mother left when Apolo was a 1-year-old. Ohno made ends meet by managing two hair salons. But with no family around, he struggled to balance work with raising a son. During the weekends, when most day cares were closed, he had no choice but to bring Apolo to work.
“I didn’t have any relatives here. I was all alone. I had to put blankets over the carpet in the salon and hope Apolo would stay in one place,” he recalled.
But Ohno soon discovered that his son could not keep still. As Apolo grew up, his passion for sports became palpable. He loved to skate, and Ohno’s instincts told him to support his son’s athletic dreams.
“Apolo has been competitive in sports since he was very young, like 6 years old. Sometimes, competitions were held out of town, and we’d drive or fly up there. By participating in those sporting events, he and I became a team, setting out to accomplish one thing,” said Ohno.
“I would tell Apolo, ‘If you’re going to do an event, I will be there. No doubt, you can count on me.’ ”
Ohno acknowledges that his relationship with his son was not always smooth. During his son’s teenage years, in particular, the pair would often clash.
“There were some bad days. I was the only parent to provide mentorship and decision-making, so if Apolo didn’t like my way, it was rough. There wasn’t another person there to buffer the differences,” he said.
Through sports, the pair’s relationship was strengthened. The proud father watched as his son went from a young boy on roller blades at Federal Way’s Pattison’s West skating rink to competing on the world stage at the Winter Olympics.
Ohno said that what he loves most about being a father is the bond that he has developed with his son.
“It’s almost like [Apolo’s] a teacher to me. He taught me so much,” said Ohno. “I acknowledge him for how he handles the world, how he treats people, and just how he behaves,” he said.
“It’s more than just a father-son relationship. The feeling I have towards [him] is more like a best friend. Being a father and being able to say that is really special.”
Ohno encourages other single fathers to listen to their instincts and take the time to be with their children, as the rewards can be plentiful.
“I know there are so many things a father has to do, but do the important thing. Be with your child. There’s a time your child really needs you, in person. You gotta be there,” he said.
“And same goes for single mothers. Don’t feel like you’re anything less. It’s up to you, and you can care for your child if your husband or partner is gone,” he said.[/img]
Read the entire article:
www.nwasianweekly.com/2012/06/celebrating-dad-single-dad-of-apolo-ohno-other-dads-challenge-traditional-roles/Tags: Apolo Anton Ohno / Short Track Speedskating
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