Olympic star takes spotlight at SCSU

Ct Post - NEW HAVEN -- Apolo Ohno has earned a lot of hardware in his athletic career, including eight Olympic medals in short track speedskating, making him the most decorated American athlete to compete in the Winter Olympic Games, and one glittering mirror ball trophy from ABC-TV's "Dancing with the Stars."

Ohno, 27, already enjoyed rock star treatment as a result of his Olympic pursuits in 2002, 2006 and 2010, and his turn on the dance floor with partner Julianne Hough catapulted him into superstardom, which was evident Wednesday night at Southern Connecticut State University, where Ohno delivered the 12th annual Mary and Louis Fusco Distinguished Lecture.

SCSU President Cheryl Norton said he is often referred to as "a god among mortals," and not just because of his name, and many of the girls and women in the audience agreed, cheering wildly, whistling and hollering when he first appeared on stage. They did so again when he mentioned his turn on "Dancing with the Stars."

After posing for photographs at a reception for about 350 people at the Adanti Student Center, Ohno spoke at the Lyman Center for the Performing Arts.

It could hardly be called a lecture. It was more of a casual presentation to an audience of about 1,400 people. Ohno talked about his undisciplined behavior in his teenage years, his lack of direction and lack of understanding and respect for the sport of speedskating and even for his own natural talent.

"I didn't understand the potential I had in the sport and I wasn't giving my heart and soul."