Apolo Anton Ohno
U.S. Olympic Gold & Silver Medalist, Speedskating (2002)

TORONTO, CANADA - Roots Canada is pleased to announce that it has signed United States Olympic Speedskating Gold and Silver Medalist Apolo Ohno to the Roots team. Touted as one of the most anticipated athletes at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy in February, Apolo has reigned as World Champion of short track speed skating since 2002. His excellence in the sport, his well-rounded personality and unique style make him an ideal partnerfor Roots.

At age 23, Apolo is at the top of his game. This year, he won five World Cups and the overall World Cup Title, making him a favourite for multiple golds in Torino. At the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, he captured gold and silver medals in action-packed performances. In doing so, he is credited with putting short track speed skating on the map, introducing this thrilling sport to the mainstream.

Originally from Seattle, Washington, he lives at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado. After his winning performances in Salt Lake City, Apolo became a prominent figure in the US and international media and sports scene. He co-authored a children’s book, wrote an autobiography and made numerous television appearances. People magazine named him as one of the “50 Most Beautiful People.”

As part of his relationship with Roots, Apolo will be making personal appearances at Roots events and in various in-store and web advertising and promotional material. His winning ways will fit perfectly with the Roots active lifestyle and celebration of sports and world champions.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled about having the opportunity to work with Roots” says Apolo, “ Roots has been a great supporter of the Olympic Games, I am excited to be a part of their team. Their style has helped define the look of the last few Olympics and I think their image fits well with the pace and excitement of short track.”

Roots, which has a long, storied tradition of supporting and working with world-class athletes, will be highly visible at the Torino Games as the official outfitter of the US Olympic Team. “In addition to our partnership with the US Olympic Team, Roots is proud to be associated with such an exceptional athlete as Apolo Ohno,” says Roots Co-Founder Michael Budman. “He's such a great performer and innovator on the ice, along with being such an incredible individual off the ice. We are looking forward to working with Apolo.”

Based in Toronto, Roots is known around the world for its genuine leather goods and authentic athletic apparel. Starting in 1973 as a tiny store in Toronto selling the Roots Negative Heel Shoe, Roots now has more than 125 stores in Canada and the United States along with 20 locations in Asia. In addition, Roots has a state-of-the art leather goods factory and design centre in Toronto

For further information, contact:
Robert Sarner,
Director of Communication and Public Affairs
416-781-3574 ext 4280
E-mail : rsarner@roots.com

At Janey Miller Management please contact: Janey Miller 303 444 4612 or janey@janeymillermanagement.com

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