Apolo Anton Ohno is the co-founder and formulator of 8zone. But he is best known for being the most decorated American Winter Olympic athlete of all time. He is the face of short track speed skating worldwide and has redefined the sport for over 10 years, starting in 1999 when he became the youngest athlete ever to win a World Cup event title. He won the overall World Championship in 2008, the World Cup Overall title in 2001, 2003, and 2005, and the men’s national title 12 times. He has won eight Olympic medals and 23 World Championship medals. In October 2003 and March 2008 he was the United States Olympic Committee’s Male Athlete of the Month. In 2007, he was also the winner of the fourth season of Dancing with the Stars.
I met Apolo earlier this year when he spoke at the NBJ Summit and asked him to participate in a Health E-Insights interview.
Health E-Insights:Why did you start 8zone and what will be your competitive advantage?
Apolo: The reasons behind starting 8zone are many. First and foremost my involvement within the Olympic pursuit and Games were obviously surrounded by only putting the absolute best nutrients into my body. I had to become the best that I could possibly be, and noticed the benefits of nutraceuticals and the nutritional aspect of my training. I’ve always wanted to play a role in inspiring people to be better, to live higher quality lives and to feel good about the way that they look and feel. This comes with putting the right things into your body. As a company we are dedicated to providing the highest quality nutrients to those who are looking to improve their health and maintain a level of wellness. Bottom line is we want to make you live a higher quality life. I was very involved in formulating the current 8zone line up. It was taken from years of experience of utilizing the specific products myself during my own training cycles. We met with many doctors, nutritionists, formulators, biochemists and people of industry to work with us in creating these incredible supplement systems.
Health E-Insights: What’s the future of dietary supplements?
Apolo: I believe that the future of dietary supplements is fantastic. Consumers are starting to really understand the importance of healthy eating, and getting the nutrients that they need. Many new products, new technology and delivery systems offer a wide array of options for consumers and we are proud and honored to be able to be a part of such a great group of people. Our approach is to create a lifestyle in which the people who become a part of the 8zone family and team live higher quality lives—not just because they purchase supplements, but they live active, happy, lives. We think of health as a total system approach—nutrients delivered throughout the day when you need them most. This is coupled by eating healthy, resting and exercising appropriately.
Health E-Insights: What would you invent if you had the chance?
Apolo: One hundred percent bioavailable products. Easy, one-pill-a-day approach. And a sleep pill where you take one and it feels like you just slept for hours. Instant recovery and regeneration. (Editor’s Note: Apolo added that the sleep pill is more of a fantasy than a reality.)
Health E-Insights: What one thing most upsets you on or off the ice?
Apolo: Lack of constant media attention to short track speed skating in our off Olympic years.
Health E-Insights: If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you?
Apolo: Doesn’t matter. I’d love to have a movie about my life.
Health E-Insights: If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?