Podcast: Apolo Ohno, Pivoting From Uncertainty

Apolo Ohno is the most decorated American at the Winter Olympics and was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 2019. In this episode, Rabbi Rami and Ohno explore Ohno’s new book, Hard Pivot.

Rabbi Rami and Ohno start their conversation discussing the 2022 Winter Olympics currently going on in Beijing, before pivoting (pun intended) to focus on Ohno’s book. They dive into Ohno’s expedition into a life beyond speedskating, and the uncertainty, curiosity, and alienation that came along with retiring from the sport that had been the center of his life for so long.

Ohno draws parallels between a “hard pivot” in speed skating and making hard changes in life. “A hard pivot in speed skating is pretty clear, performed successfully it’s amazing, performed unsuccessfully it’s quite painful—both physically and mentally.” He explains, “I had to divorce from the previous identity that was given to me.”

They also discuss:

• Resisting the urge to follow the familiar path

• Saying “yes” to new experiences

• 5 golden principles for living in radical curiosity despite uncertainty

• Wanting less and giving more

• Cultivating belief

• and much more

“I knew at some point that I would have to find a different passion that maybe would replace the Olympic path … and maybe, perhaps there was no possible way to replace it.” —Apolo Ohno, on the Spirituality & Health Podcast

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