Apolo Ohno, the most decorated U.S. Winter Olympian in history, will serve as the keynote speaker at this year’s VIPAR Heavy Duty IMPACT Conference on Thursday, Oct. 20, in Marco Island, Florida.

Ohno claimed his first major speed skating title at the U.S. Championships at the age of 14 – after just six months of training. Over the next decade and a half, he went from child prodigy to the most decorated U.S. Winter Olympian in history – a title he still holds – earning eight Olympic medals in short-track speed skating across the 2002, 2006 and 2010 Winter Games. Ohno took his understanding of sports psychology and his personal experience with success and setbacks to develop a resilient and mission-driven approach to life. He has also published multiple books including his latest, “Hard Pivot: Embrace Change. Find Purpose. Show Up Fully.”

“Apolo is more than a highly accomplished and decorated athlete, he has a mental toughness and drive that serves as an inspiration to anyone who is working to overcome challenges and achieve goals in their personal or professional life,” said Jeff Paul, vice president of marketing, VIPAR Heavy Duty. “We are excited to welcome him to the VIPAR Heavy Duty IMPACT Conference to share his experiences and spark excitement and inspiration with all of our attendees.”

After the virtual conference in 2020 and the hybrid conference in 2021, the VIPAR Heavy Duty IMPACT Conference will take place in-person Oct. 16-21, 2022, in Marco Island, Florida. The conference is an opportunity for stockholders, suppliers, and industry associates to come together to participate in open dialogue and share best practices and insights on opportunities and challenges in the independent heavy-duty aftermarket.