On October 29, 2024, Asia Society Seattle hosted its first lecture of SAM Talks: Asia Society Seattle Speaker Series. This series is designed and dedicated to promoting understanding of Asia and the Asia diaspora.

For the first lecture in the 3-part series, Asia Society Seattle welcomed Apolo Ohno, the most decorated U.S. Winter Olympian, a New York Times bestselling author, and a passionate advocate for mental health. Ohno also grew up in Seattle. Ohno delved into developing a strategic and disciplined approach to Olympic sports as a child and his experience training with the South Korean short track team abroad. Ohno also provided personal insights on the intersection of art and sports and the importance of cultivating a flow state.

Ohno was joined by Taylor Swanson, a Seattle-native and a silver medalist in the Paris Paralympics who currently holds the American Record for 100M in the T37 classification for para athletes. Swanson shared insights on how her cerebral palsy diagnosis empowered her to build community with other Paralympians and adapt her approach to sports. Together, Ohno and Swanson responded to questions from the audience regarding lessons about overcoming failure, developing competition routines and rituals, the importance of maintaining a positive mindset for achieving goals, and the experience of growing up Asian American in the Pacific Northwest. 

The conversation was moderated by Gary Rieschel, Board Chair of Asia Society Seattle & Northern California. Rieschel is an active supporter of the U.S. Olympic Foundation where he and his wife Yucca serve as Sports Ambassadors for mental health for the U.S. Olympic team. 

This speaker series was held in collaboration between Asia Society Seattle and Seattle Asian Art Museum.

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