Ohno Reflects on Evolution of Speed Skating Ahead of Milan Olympics

The most decorated US skater notes the sport's growing global competitiveness and athletes' emotional transitions.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Apolo Ohno, the most decorated US short track speed skater, discussed the evolution of the sport ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Ohno highlighted how improvements in technology have led to faster lap times and deeper fields of contenders from around the world, with every country now featuring a star player. He also spoke about the emotional experience of athletes approaching the end of their careers and the need to be present in the moment, regardless of the outcome. The atmosphere in Milan includes social gatherings at the Winter House, where legendary skaters are honored, serving as a hub for the speed skating, hockey, and figure skating communities.

Why it matters

Ohno's insights provide valuable perspective on the changing landscape of short track speed skating as the sport continues to grow in global competitiveness. His reflections on the emotional challenges faced by retiring athletes also shed light on the personal journeys of elite competitors. Understanding these trends and experiences can enhance the audience's appreciation for the sport and the athletes' dedication.

The details

Apolo Ohno, the most decorated US short track speed skater, noted that the difference between a gold medal and missing the podium often comes down to one-hundredth of a second. He highlighted how the evolution of the sport, with improvements in technology leading to faster lap times, has resulted in deeper fields of contenders where every country now features a star player. Ohno also spoke about the emotional experience of athletes approaching the end of their careers, describing it as a 'bittersweet' transition that requires being present in the moment regardless of the outcome.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled to take place in Milan, Italy.

The players

Apolo Ohno

The most decorated US short track speed skater, with multiple Olympic medals.

Brian Boitano

A legendary figure skater who has named drinks after skating icons at the Winter House social gatherings in Milan.

Eric Heiden

A renowned speed skating icon whose name has been used for a drink at the Winter House in Milan.

Bonnie Blair

A celebrated speed skating champion whose name has been used for a drink at the Winter House in Milan.

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What they’re saying

“Short track speed skating is a chaotic, wild, explosive sport. It's grown, technologies improved in the sport. The speed and lap times are incredible. Every country has a star player now.”

— Apolo Ohno (binghamtonhomepage.com)

“I think there's just this, it slows time down when they're here and I can imagine, at least for me, when you do walk away, when it gets closer to the closing ceremonies, there is this feeling of, 'okay, that was a chapter in my life, now I turn the page over and the page is blank' and you have the pen and pad and you're thinking about, 'okay, now I need to start writing what the next phase of my life is.'”

— Apolo Ohno (binghamtonhomepage.com)

“The good, bad, the ugly, regardless of outcome, surrendering to that moment would allow me to fully, I think, just envelope myself in this electricity that exists around the games, because it is so special.”

— Apolo Ohno (binghamtonhomepage.com)

What’s next

Ohno will continue focusing on partnership activations and donor-related activities to support Team USA athletes, including ongoing work with partners like Yahoo Sports to ensure athletes have the resources needed to compete.

The takeaway

Ohno's insights highlight the evolving global competitiveness of short track speed skating, driven by technological advancements, as well as the emotional challenges faced by retiring athletes. His reflections provide valuable perspective on the sport's growth and the personal journeys of elite competitors.