The Power of Listening - Apolo Ohno
During the Winter Olympics, stories about athletes fill the time slots before and after races take center stage. It was during one time slot I heard a blurb about Apolo Ohno spending time early in his career alone in a cabin to decide the course he would be taking in regards to his speed skating career. After some research on line I found more on this period in his life. To paraphrase: at the age of 14, after years of being raised by a single parent his father, showing an athleticism towards speed skating, and getting in with the wrong crowd, Apolo's father, Yuki, gave his son a gift in the form of an opportunity to truly listen to what his inner being was feeling. This gift (in my opinion) came in the form of an isolated 8 day personal retreat, in a cabin on the Washington coast, "with no television, no phone, no car -- only some provisions, the gray ocean, constant rain and his own angry, confused thoughts". It was this retreat that appears to be the pivotal point for Apolo Ohno, the point where he truly listened to what was in his heart and being, and where he decided to take his destiny into his own hands.
(Written by Gloria - Thanks to Sports Illustrated)
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Doug Durren and Gloria Todor, Realtors®
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Hi Gloria - this is very interesting. What an amazing Dad to realize the significance of giving his angry teenager a 'retreat' to go within. Very unusual for sure. And amazing. Apollo is such a great young man - I bet his Dad is very very very proud of him!
Anna, His dad does seem to beam when the camera turns to him during his son's competitions.
Listening is powerful anytime anywhere. And not just the words but the feeling and the hidden messages that come to us from our experiences in life. Time and attention are two of the greatest gifts anyone can give to another.
John, Thanks for your comments. So true "Time and attention are two of the greatest gifts anyone can give to another". ----Gloria
That's some good parenting skills on his dad's part.
Great Story Gloria, we do have all the answers within us, if we'd just listen.
His father is his biggest supporter and he knew his son was good, his son just didn't know it. His father knew what it would take and gave it to him. That is the sign of a good parent!
Irene, yes dad was definately into his role as a parent.
Frank, so many people can not hear what is within because they do not know how to turn off the external noise.
Todd, yes his father was there all along and saw his potential.
----Gloria
This is such a powerful story. To know the struggles that he, and his father have endured and then to see how they have grown is amazing. We have commented every time Apollo has done an interview, how poised, well spoken and humble he is. What a great spokesperson for the US.
I also heard that story during the Olympic broadcast - I thought it was great - but nowadays you'd probably get a bunch of attorneys wanting to sue for child abandonment ;-)
Anissa and Kelly, I am impressed with Apolo and his father also. Yes he is a great spokesperson for the US. Hopefully his life will continue in that vein.
Rick, yes it is a sad state of affairs in some respects. But then, Apolo did not report his father as some children do with their parents.
----Gloria
It was a joy to see him and his father share in his sucess this Olympic. It was almost like being in his own backyard. I could use some quiet reflection in that cabin these days.
Mark, Nice to get to know more about the players and their family members during the Olympics. Yes a cabin get away is a great way to recharge one's internal batteries.