Apolo Ohno and Bianca Stam Split: What Led to Their Relationship Ending

When a celebrity couple like Apolo Ohno and Bianca Stam quietly goes their separate ways, it’s natural for fans to ask what really happened. Their romance, which began in a chance meeting at an art gallery in 2016, appeared to be a modern fairytale for several years.

But the story has more layers than a simple breakup.

This guide explains the complete journey of the Apolo Ohno Bianca Stam split. We will cover their impressive careers, key moments in their relationship, and the significant life changes that ultimately led them down different paths.

Who are Apolo Ohno and Bianca Stam?

Apolo Ohno is an American icon and the most decorated U.S. Winter Olympian in history. He captivated the world as a short-track speed skater, earning a total of eight medals: two gold, two silver, and four bronze.

After retiring from skating, he became a New York Times bestselling author with his book “Zero Regrets.” Today, he is a sought-after motivational speaker and performance consultant for global companies like Google, Nike, and Deloitte. He also charmed television audiences by winning Season 4 of “Dancing With the Stars” in 2007 with his partner, Julianne Hough.

Bianca Stam is a successful actress, model, and entrepreneur with an international career. Fluent in five languages, she has starred in films like the Hong Kong blockbuster “Chasing the Dragon” alongside legends Donnie Yen and Andy Lau. She also had a guest role on the ABC series “Big Sky.”

Beyond entertainment, Stam is a respected restaurateur. She is an owner of Bar Roma, a popular Italian restaurant in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood that was named a “Must Try” by Zagat.

Overview of their Relationship

Apolo Ohno and Bianca Stam’s relationship started with a serendipitous meeting and quickly blossomed into a public romance. They often shared their adventures and happy moments with followers on social media, making them a beloved couple.

When and how they met

The pair first met in 2016, not at a sporting event or industry party, but at an art gallery. Their connection was immediate.

• They reportedly struck up a conversation about the art on display.
• This initial chat sparked a deeper connection as they explored the gallery together.
• By the end of the evening, they had made plans to see each other again.

This chance encounter marked the beginning of a long-term relationship. They frequently used Instagram to share their journey with the world on Instagram, letting fans into their life together.

Their public journey

Apolo Ohno made the relationship “Instagram official” by posting photos of Bianca, signaling to his many followers that they were a couple. Their bond grew stronger over the years, and they even adopted a puppy together named Sesame Mochi Ohno.

In a significant public appearance in early 2021, the couple appeared on the NBC game show “The Wall” as fiancés. They competed to win money for the Team USA Fund, which supports Olympic and Paralympic athletes, showcasing their shared commitment to a cause close to Ohno’s heart.

Bianca Stam’s Career Highlights

Bianca Stam has built an impressive and diverse career that spans the worlds of entertainment and hospitality. She is a multi-talented professional who has found success in several demanding fields.

Acting and modeling achievements

Stam has made a notable impact in both film and fashion. Her most prominent role was playing “Jing Jing” in the 2017 Hong Kong crime drama “Chasing the Dragon.” She has also appeared in other productions, including a guest spot on ABC’s “Big Sky” and a role in the Netflix series “HKOCTB.”

In 2017, she produced a short documentary called “The Beauty Machine,” which explores the experiences of women in Asia’s entertainment industry. Her modeling career has included campaigns for major brands like Target and Ritz Carlton.

Ownership of Italian restaurant Bar Roma

In 2016, Bianca Stam became an owner of Bar Roma, a celebrated Italian restaurant in the Andersonville area of Chicago. The restaurant, led by Executive Chef Alfredo Ramos, quickly gained a reputation for its authentic Roman-inspired dishes.

Zagat, the renowned restaurant guide, named Bar Roma a “Must Try” Italian restaurant in the city. It’s particularly known for its cozy atmosphere, house-made pastas, and wood-fired dishes.

In a 2021 interview with Shoutout LA, Stam said the venture combined her passions for food and real estate, and it remains a testament to her entrepreneurial drive.

Apolo Ohno’s Previous Relationships

Before his long-term relationship with Bianca Stam, Apolo Ohno’s dating life was often a topic of media interest, particularly his connection with another prominent athlete.

Relationship with Olympian Allison Baver

From 2004 to 2009, Apolo Ohno was in a public relationship with fellow American short-track speed skater Allison Baver. As two of the biggest names in their sport, their romance was closely followed by fans and media.

They connected through their shared dedication to speed skating and supported each other’s demanding careers. The couple eventually split, with some reports at the time suggesting the breakup was amicable and partly due to Baver’s intense focus on preparing for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

What Was the Reason for the Apolo Ohno Bianca Stam Split?

While the couple never released a formal breakup statement, the end of their relationship appears to be a classic case of life leading two people down different roads. For years, the reason seemed to be the mounting pressures of their separate, demanding careers.

After retiring from skating, Ohno fully committed to his second act as an author, speaker, and investor, working with companies like Google and Nike. Stam’s focus remained on her acting career and her hands-on role at her Chicago restaurant. These diverging paths and geographic demands undoubtedly created challenges.

However, a 2025 interview with Bianca Stam for Mojito Magazine provided the clearest picture. The definitive reason for the split is that Stam has entered a new chapter of her life: motherhood. In the interview, she speaks about her daughter, Eulalia, and her experiences with postpartum life.

This wonderful new beginning for Stam naturally marks the end of her journey with Ohno. She is also writing a children’s book inspired by her daughter, further cementing her focus on her new family.

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Takeaways

The Apolo Ohno Bianca Stam split is a reminder that relationships can change and evolve, even those that seem perfect to the outside world. They built a life together that included shared passions and their beloved dog, Sesame Mochi Ohno.

Ultimately, their paths diverged.

Both continue to achieve great things. Ohno inspires millions through his books and speaking engagements, while Stam thrives as an entrepreneur and has embraced the new joy of motherhood.