Net Worth Ranker
What Is Apolo Anton Ohno’s Net Worth?
Apolo Anton Ohno, the retired American Olympic speed skater, has amassed a net worth of $10 million. This financial standing is a result of his successful career as an Olympic athlete, coupled with ventures into philanthropy, motivational speaking, and television appearances. His primary source of wealth is directly attributable to his speed skating career and the subsequent opportunities it afforded him.
Olympic Career and Earnings
Apolo Ohno’s Olympic journey began in 2002 at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, marking a significant milestone in his career. He participated in several Olympic Games, solidifying his status as a decorated athlete. Throughout his Olympic career, Apolo Ohno secured a total of eight medals, comprising two gold medals and two silver medals. These achievements not only brought him recognition but also translated into substantial financial gains through endorsements and sponsorships. The specifics of his earnings from each Olympic event aren’t publicly detailed, but the cumulative impact on his net worth is undeniable. Subsequent to his performance at the Salt Lake City Games, Ohno experienced a period of scrutiny stemming from a controversial judgment related to cross-tracking, which led to a certain level of animosity, particularly among Korean fans. Despite this controversy, Ohno continued to excel, winning two gold medals at a later event and securing second place overall at the 2005 World Championships. Further cementing his legacy, Ohno achieved further success at the 2006 Olympics in Turin, Italy, where he clinched a gold medal and a bronze medal. His final Olympic appearance was in Vancouver in 2010, following which he retired from the sport.
Endorsement Deals and Media Appearances
Thanks to his high profile as an Olympic champion, Apolo Ohno secured several lucrative endorsement deals with major corporations such as Subway, General Electric, and Coca-Cola. While the specific financial details of these endorsement contracts remain confidential, such deals are significant contributors to his income. Beyond endorsements, Ohno ventured into the world of television, hosting the game show “Minute to Win It.” His role as a commentator for the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi further expanded his media presence and income streams. His stint on “Dancing with the Stars” further increased his public profile. Partnering with Julianne Hough, he won the fourth season of the competition, adding to his earnings and fame. Each television appearance and endorsement deal contributed to Apolo Anton Ohno’s net worth.
Philanthropy and Entrepreneurial Ventures
Beyond his athletic and media endeavors, Apolo Ohno has engaged in various philanthropic activities, supporting causes like Product Red, which focuses on combating HIV and AIDS in Africa. He has also collaborated with organizations like The Salvation Army and the Clothes off Our Back Foundation. His involvement with the Ronald McDonald House in Seattle and Nikkei Concerns also showcases his commitment to charitable causes. Additionally, Ohno co-launched the “Math Moves U Hippest Homework Happening” program with Senator Ted Kennedy. In addition to his philanthropic endeavors, Ohno has ventured into the entrepreneurial world. He penned a book titled “Hard Pivot: Embrace Change. Find Purpose. Show Up Fully.”, published in 2022, which explores his transition from an Olympic athlete to an entrepreneur. The sales of his book, while not publicly quantified, contribute to his overall income and net worth. These activities showcase a well-rounded individual with diverse interests and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Apolo Anton Ohno was born on May 22, 1982, in Seattle, Washington, to parents Yuki Ohno and Jerrie Lee. His parents selected the name Apolo, drawing from Greek roots where “apo” means “steer away from” and “lo” signifies “watch out, here he comes.” His parents divorced when he was a baby. Raised in Seattle by his father, Yuki Ohno, he had minimal contact with his biological mother. His father, a hairstylist and salon owner named Yuki’s Diffusion, put Ohno into competitive swimming and quad-speed roller skating at the age of six. Ohno’s journey into speed skating began at age 13 after watching footage of the sport during the 1994 Winter Olympics. Prior to this, he was the Washington state swimming champion in the Breaststroke. At 13, he became the youngest member of the Lake Placid Olympic Training Center, training full-time for short-track speed skating. After failing to make the 1997 U.S. Junior World Team, he won the 1997 Senior Championships overall title, earning the gold medal in the 1500-meter race. At 14, Ohno became the youngest person to win the title. He then moved to the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center, training with senior-level skaters at just 14 years old. After struggling at the 1997 championships in Nagano, Japan, and finishing last in the trials for the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, Ohno recommitted to the sport, returning to junior-level training at Lake Placid. In 1999, he took first place overall at the World Junior Championships and finished ninth overall at the 2000 World Championships. These early achievements laid the foundation for his successful Olympic career, indirectly influencing his future earnings and net worth. Specific financial details of his earnings during his early career are not publicly available.
