By CHRIS SULLIVAN
KIRO Radio

What is in the water in Federal Way? The city has produced two of the best American short track speed skaters this century.

We all know Apolo Ohno, but he as a new, young rival.

J.R. Celski, 19, grew up idolizing his Olympic teammate.

"Apolo actually in-lined at the same place as me and he transitioned to ice when he was about 12 or 13. He wound up winning in 2002 and I saw that. I was watching the Olympics that year and was like 'Oh man, I can do that too.' So I started ice-skating in about 2002 and have been doing it ever since," said Celski.

Celski beat Ohno in the 1000 meters at the Olympic trials.

"It was pretty cool for both of us because he's been the head guy in U.S. side of speed skating for about 10 years now. Nobody has really given him that much competition. To see him train harder to beat me or me train harder to beat him. We were giving each other competition, so it's pretty cool," said Celski.

But Celski hasn't skated competitively since the trials in September. He cut his left thigh to the bone in a horrific crash in the 500 meters. After 60 stitches and some brutal rehab, he's ready to go to Vancouver.

Celski's more than ready. He's pumped.

"Both sides from my parents still live here. I went to high school and have been growing up ever since I was a little kid here. Just to know that it's in our backyard and we'll have all these people up there supporting us is really cool," said Celski.

Celski's first race is the 1,500 February 13th.

You might also be interested in:

• Listen to Celski's full interview
• Follow J.R. Celski on Twitter
• More Olympics news
• US speedskater Celski's comeback almost complete
• 11 athletes from Washington going to Olympics