A Journey: The Autobiography of Apolo Anton Ono

by Apolo Anton Ohno and Nan Fischer

Book Overview

I honestly don't know what battles I'm going to face next, only that I have the spirit and the will to face anything and fight for my sport and for what I believe is right. I'll give 110 percent and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0689856083
• ISBN13: 9780689856082
• Release Date: October 2002
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
• Length: 153 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.3" x 9.4"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

An Amazing 'Journey'

Anyone who saw this year's Olympics has to be familiar with Apolo Anton Ohno. He emerged as the highest profile athlete of the winter Games. And for good reason...this amazing young man showed the world what class, grace and sportsmanship is. He performed incredibly even after being injured. So it should come as no surprise that he would come across in his book as mature, classy and gracious as well. Mature well beyond his 19 years. Being away from home and more or less on his own since age 14 was bound to make him mature faster...but the sheer beauty of this amazing young man's spirit is something that was born with him. It only became more beautiful as he grew up. Aside from his obvious physical beauty, he is beautiful on the inside as well...and the combination makes for one very special, unequaled human being who also happens to be a talented athlete. This is Apolo's story so far...and it also tells a lot about his father who has done a magnificent job of raising a magnificent young man.This story is supposed to be...and is very much so...an inspiration for kids. But anyone of any age who is a fan of Apolo should read his story. You will not be disappointed.

APOLO IS AN INSPIRATION

I love this book. Apolo speaks from his heart. He has overcome downfalls, injuries,and challenges in his journey to become the fastest speedskater ever. But this book is more than a book about a great athlete. This book is about a beautiful person who is mature far beyond his years. I highly recommend this book to people of ALL ages.

Young Man Rising...

It isn't easy to write from the heart, but Apolo Ohno has never avoided the hard choices. If it is presumptuous to write an autobiography at 19, Ohno has earned that right...and raises important issues apart from his two Olympic medals. Raised from age one by his Japanese father, Apolo paints an indelible portrait of a true father,a man willing to make unfamiliar sacrifices to provide a home for his child. We who have raised rebellious adolescent sons empathize with Yuki, and share his joy when Apolo successfully negotiates the transition. Apolo minces few words in describing his experiences as a 14 year old novice skater, attempting to negotiate the challenges of a new culture 3,000 miles from his father and friends. More disturbing are his assertions that U.S. Speedskating failed to provide adequate training and oversight for the 15 year old when he initially joined the Senior division Shorttrack team. Equally disturbing are his comments regarding deficiencies in safety and medical care for the young athletes. His performance in light of pre-Olympic injuries is impressive. Generous with praise for many coachs and friends he avoids excessive bitterness toward his foes. Ohno's voice is clear and distinctive and his emotional intimacy a generous gift in light of his experiences. His reflective comments mirror the character that mesmerized audiences during the Olympic games. Without doubt he will indeed "have an extraordinary life..."

THE BOOK IS PHENOMENAL - AND SO IS HE!!

Do not miss this book! It is a must have! If you want details about his childhood and teen years - it's here. If you want details about his training - it's here. If you want details about the Olympics - it's here. And if you want nice, juicy, previously untold personal details - it's here, too! No matter what your age, this book is BOTH INFORMATIONAL AND INSPIRATIONAL. It doesn't get any better than this! Order 2 copies - 1 to read and cherish + 1 to drool on! Buy it now and run to the checkout!!!!

A Journey is AWESOME!

Everyone must read this moving and inspiring book. While Apolo's words are engagingly kid-like and candid, the thoughts, reflections, and insights they describe are brilliant, deep, and soulful, with a wisdom and maturity far beyond his 19 years. The gracious, generous spirit we loved and admired at the 2002 Olympics is in every word of this autobiography--you will smile, you will cry--you will be filled with even greater admiration and even deeper respect for Apolo after reading his Journey.