Go Apolo!

The summer of 2006, we were having lunch in Hawai'i at a hole-in-the-wall cafe I found on the internet.  Ono Hawaiian Foods on Kapahulu Street in Honolulu is a local favorite (non-touristy) that serves authentic, simple Hawaiian dishes in a tiny, disorderly, nondescript eatery.  (Ono, in the Hawaiian language, means delicious).

We were eating when I recognized My Guy!  I know His Face!  (I've been following him since his first Winter Games). He quietly came into the room with four other people and sat down.  Their order quickly arrived and they started lunch.

I was leaning out of my seat, sorely straining my neck to get a better view of the US Olympic short track speedskater.  Kirk rolled his eyes.  He told me it can't be him, not here, and asked me not to bother them while they were eating. 

So ... I got up and introduced myself to Apolo Anton Ohno.  His handsome face flashed that familiar, bright toothy smile.  I knew it!  I asked for a couple pictures after he finished eating, but he said, "It's okay.  We can do it right now."  He's polite and gracious, too!  Yay!

As it turns out, Apolo was with the Honolulu Advertiser, so I was interviewed and pictures were taken for the local paper.  Apolo was in on his first visit to Hawai'i to receive a Victor Award.  The newspaper thought it would be fun heading with a play on words, "Ohno eats lunch at Ono!"

Lauren with Apolo

Apolo with the sun-burned brown Zenimuras

Apolo invited us to the Victor Awards later that day (where we met more athletes).

We're rooting for Apolo.  To date, he's currently tied with Bonnie Blair for the most medals (six) won by an American in Winter Games competition.  He has three more events in the Winter Games so we're cheering for him to win more medals.  Go Apolo! Go USA!