HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2002-4738, by Representatives Miloscia, Mitchell, Edwards and McDermott

      WHEREAS, Since the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924 were held in Chamonix, France, the world's best athletes in the field of winter sports have competed and been recognized and rewarded in the Winter Olympics; and

      WHEREAS, Apolo Anton Ohno, representing the United States of America, won an Olympic gold medal in the men's 1500 meter short‑track speedskating event and an Olympic silver medal in the men's 1000 meter short‑track speedskating event at the 2002 Winter Olympics held in Salt Lake City, Utah; and

      WHEREAS, Apolo Anton Ohno won the first Olympic gold medal for the United States of America in the short‑track speedskating event, and the first gold medal to be won in the Winter Olympics by a Washington state resident in nearly two decades; and

      WHEREAS, Apolo Anton Ohno set the United States record for the men's 500 meter short‑track speedskating event in the Olympic trials; and

      WHEREAS, Apolo Anton Ohno maintained his academic coursework online while he was practicing for and competing in the Olympics by attending Federal Way's Internet Academy; and

      WHEREAS, Yuki Ohno, Apolo Anton Ohno's father and owner of Seattle hair salon Yuki's Diffusions, emigrated from Japan after high school and raised Apolo Anton Ohno as a single parent; and

      WHEREAS, Apolo Anton Ohno's dedication and hard work have made him a role model; and

      WHEREAS, Apolo Anton Ohno has earned the pride of our nation and worldwide acclaim with his grace under incredible pressure, charm, and goateed good looks; and

      WHEREAS, Apolo Anton Ohno, as the most visible American athlete in the 2002 Winter Olympics, has drawn the nation's attention to the fast‑paced, unpredictable sport of short‑track speedskating;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives recognize Apolo Anton Ohno for his accomplishments, perseverance, and grace as a model for all athletes, citizens of this state, and the nation; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the International Olympic Committee, United States Olympic Committee, United States Speed Skating, the Federal Way Internet Academy, Yuki Ohno, and Apolo Anton Ohno.

      I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

      4738 Resolution adopted by the House of Representatives

                          March 13, 2002.

                   _____________________________

                   Cynthia Zehnder, Chief Clerk