03/01/2006

TORINO, ITALY - Apolo Anton Ohno and Joey Cheek soon will join millions of Americans for breakfast. Wheaties today announced the release of two new special-edition packages commemorating the speed skaters' outstanding performance on the world stage in Torino.

The 23-year-old Ohno distinguished himself and continued his prolific career achievements by winning gold in the 500 meter, bronze in the 1,000 meter, and rallying his U.S. team to bronze in the 5,000-meter relay. He became only the fourth American athlete to win three medals in a single winter games.

Ohno also won gold and silver medals in Salt Lake City and has finished atop the World Cup rankings in three of the past five seasons. A seven-time U.S. short-track overall champion, he became the youngest American ever to win gold in the World Cup at the age of 17. No American short-track speed skater has won more medals.

"Every young athlete strives to one day see himself on the Wheaties box," Ohno said. "For me, this proves that all of the hard work and training has paid off. I remember reading the stories of the great American champions who were on the box when I was growing up, and now it's very gratifying for me to be a part of that same Wheaties tradition."