On The Clock with J.R. Celski
Team USA short track speed skater J.R. Celski is a two-time Olympic medalist, medaling in both Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014. J.R. is headed to his 3rd Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang 2018. I had the chance to interview him on his excitement, training and preparations for PyeongChang and his partnership with Toyota and “Chasing the Impossible”.
Here is JR Celski, on the clock:
OTC:
Congratulations on qualifying for the 2018 U.S. Olympic Team for your third time. Does it feel any different this time?
J.R. Celski:
It feels really good to be going to my third Olympics. It’s a special number to me because that was a goal of mine from a long time ago — going to three Olympics. The fact that I achieved that is really cool and the fact that it’s in a country where short track — the sport that I compete in — is huge just makes this even sweeter.
OTC:
You have competed at this high level for such a long time. How do you it?
J.R. Celski:
It’s really just a lot of dedication. I’ve been blessed to be able to be competing this long and stay healthy. I mean, I’ve had my fair share of injuries, but that almost in a way has really helped narrow down my focus and make me understand that I have to be all in to compete and do this still. Like I said, it’s a lot of dedication and little bit of luck.
OTC:
As you prepare for PyeongChang 2018, what is your outlook on the competition in South Korea?
J.R. Celski:
My outlook on the competition in South Korea is no different than any other competition that I go to. I’m really focused on the events that I’m competing in. I’m going to hone in on my skillset and maximize on that going into my races on that day and take advantage my opportunities.
OTC:
Your sport, Short Track Speed Skating is wildly popular in South Korea. In fact, it is the most popular Winter Games sport based on ticket demand. What will it be like for you to compete at an Olympics in that environment?
J.R. Celski:
It’s going to be awesome. I remember going into Vancouver [in 2010] where the Canadians are really good in short track. They showed up there and the crowd was just insane. Going into [Sochi] was the same thing. I expect nothing less than those two competitions and I know South Korean fans appreciate the sport. They know when to cheer. The Korean fan base has always been huge and they’ll definitely show up. I’m just going to enjoy the moment.
OTC:
You have been to South Korea a few times, what is your favorite thing about South Korea?
J.R. Celski:
I definitely like the food. That’s definitely one of the things. I eat Korean food pretty often here in the States. Going over there and being familiar with the dishes is one of my favorite things. Also, the friendliness of the people and the respect they show each other and their visitors.
OTC:
Because you have been so successful over a long period of time, many people may not realize that your Olympic dreams almost never happened. Can you talk about how your impossible became possible back in 2010?
J.R. Celski:
I barely got back in time for the Vancouver Games. It had been a goal of mine for a long time to compete there because it was so close to home. I competed there when I was a kid growing up so it was just a special opportunity for me. The fact that I almost missed it made it even better and to share that with my family, friends and everyone that was involved during my journey — especially during the hard times five months prior — we made it happen.
OTC:
That leads us to your relationship with Toyota. Can you talk about your partnership with Toyota, the “Start Your Impossible” campaign and how you are working with Toyota to make the impossible possible for others?
J.R. Celski:
I’m really honored to be part of Team Toyota. It’s a great opportunity to be part of such a recognized company going into the Olympics. What they stand for is also what I stand for — “Chasing the Impossible”. In my sport there are a lot of things thrown up in the air and you have to be mentally focused and understand that any opportunity you have even if it seems impossible at the time, you still have to go for it.
OTC:
How can fans engage with you and other Toyota athletes and hopefuls through Team Toyota during the Olympics?
J.R. Celski:
Reach out on social media. I stay pretty active on social media. Or visit the Team Toyota website (Toyota.com/TeamToyota) to check out information on myself and the other Team Toyota athletes.
About Toyota:
In March of 2015, the International Olympic Committee announced Toyota as a TOP (The Olympic Partner) Programme partner in the newly created mobility category through 2024. In addition to its relationship with the IOC, Toyota is also a Proud Partner of Team USA and supports: the International Paralympic Committee; Team USA; the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association; US Speedskating; U.S. Figure Skating; USA Hockey and the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team; U.S. Paralympics Alpine Skiing; U.S. Paralympics Nordic Skiing; and U.S. Paralympics Snowboarding.
Toyota launched its ‘Start Your Impossible’ campaign in November 2017, highlighting Toyota’s mission to create a barrier-free society and reinforce the company’s values of humility, hard work, overcoming challenges, and never giving up. Team Toyota highlights these values as its 19 Olympic and Paralympic athletes and hopefuls serve to demonstrate the ultimate discovery of one’s true potential leading into the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018.
