Apolo Ohno will be inducted into the Hall of Fame ©Getty Images

Eight-time Olympic medallist Apolo Ohno will be inducted into the US Speed Skating Hall of Fame, it has been announced.

The 33-year-old short track star will officially be given his place at a ceremony on May 13 at Snow Park Lodge Deer Valley in Park City, Utah.

He won 1500 metres gold at his home Olympics in Salt Lake City in 2002 and backed that up with another title over 500m four years later in Turin.

Ohno also won two Olympic silver medals and four bronze, as well as eight world titles.

He became the youngest US national champion at 14 but his Olympic title in Salt Lake City was overshadowed by controversy after the disqualification of South Korean Kim Dong-sung.

The Korean crossed the line first but was penalised for supposedly blocking Ohno, with the country then unsuccessful with complaints to the International Olympic Committee and Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Kim Dong-sung was disqualified to give Apolo Ohno Salt Lake City gold
Kim Dong-sung was disqualified to give Apolo Ohno Salt Lake City gold ©Getty Images

“It’s an honour to be inducted into the US Speed Skating Hall of Fame,” said Ohno, who won the TV show Dancing With The Stars and then presented game show Minute to Win It. 

“This incredible sport has taught me so much, and to be associated with a special group of legends like this is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life. 

"I feel proud, blessed and humbled.”

Mike Plant, US Speed Skating President, added: “He set the bar on the ice with his eight Olympic medals but what he has done off the ice for our sport is as equally significant.”