Ohno crosses finish line for Washington potatoes

Washington Ag Today October 22, 2010 Olympic short track speed skating medalist Anton Apolo Ohno completed his promotional work for Washington potatoes just within the past week.

Karen Bonaudi, assistant executive director of the Washington State Potato Commission, says Ohno’s contract with the commission had expired but there was still one more event for the speed skater to do and he agreed. The commission hosted Ohno at its booth in the Washington Pavilion at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit in Orlando, Florida.

Bonaudi: “He was really a draw for the booth. We had a flat screen television monitor up above with video of him and the events he had done for us before, sort of drawing people there. We also had announcements, banners, and announcements in publications the show put out so people knew he was there and could come over and get his autograph.”

The autographs were going on the Potato Commission’s Celebrity Chef Recipe Book that has Ohno’s photo on the cover. The eight time Olympic medalist also talked about his love and use of potatoes, even to help him sleep.

Bonaudi: “He said his grandmother always recommended a carbohydrate if he couldn‘t go to sleep and so potatoes are one of the things he takes to actually no only get energy but also kind of give himself a rest.”

Looking back Bonaudi says the commissions’ relationship with Ohno was a success.

Bonaudi: “Yes. We heard over and over again, how did you get him, when really he got us.”

That’s Washington Ag Today. Brought to you in part by the Washington State Potato Commission. Nutrition today. Good health tomorrow. I’m Bob Hoff on Northwest Aginfo Net.

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