As Apolo Ohno neared the finish line of the Ironman World Championship at Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on Saturday, the music was loud and so was the public address announcer.
“Let’s welcome No. 144 to the finish line,” he said. “From Utah, Apolo Anton Ohno. You … are an Ironman!”
Ohno clenched his fists, pumped his arms and looked to the sky as he crossed the line before walking to the end of the finishers’ chute. There, a blanket was draped across his shoulders and a lei put around his neck.
The heat, locale and 140.6-mile race distance were a long way from the Winter Olympics, where Ohno made his name by winning eight medals -- including two golds -- in short-track speedskating.
It was yet another accomplishment for Ohno, who has also run the New York City Marathon, won “Dancing With the Stars,” hosted a TV game show and become a successful businessman.
Ohno, 32, finished the grueling Ironman in 9 hours, 52 minutes, 27 seconds, good for 77th in his men’s 30-34 division and 320th overall. He completed the 2.4-mile swim in 1:00:29, the 112-mile bike in 5:07:15 and the 26.2-mile run in 3:36:41.
His time wasn’t close to that of overall winner Sebastian Kienle of Germany (8:14:18), but it was excellent considering it was Ohno’s first full Ironman. Also, he met his goal; earlier in the week, he told a reporter his aim was to finish while still wearing his sunglasses.
“It’ll mean I finished in daylight,” he said.
On Sunday, Ohno tweeted about the race, thanking his coach, former Ironman great Paula Newby-Fraser, his sponsors and fans who gave him “support and love.”
Epic end to a life changing day. So many thanks to an endless group of selfless people. Amazing. This… http://t.co/hNzxn2dZOO
— Apolo Anton Ohno (@ApoloOhno) October 13, 2014
Without this woman, I wouldn't have even come close to crossing the finish line. Paula you are beyond… http://t.co/wkJ7QBQ58H
— Apolo Anton Ohno (@ApoloOhno) October 12, 2014
Thank you for all the support and love. This has been absolutely amazing.
— Apolo Anton Ohno (@ApoloOhno) October 13, 2014