J.R. stands for John Robert.
A half-Filipino, half-Polish US short track speed skater who made his Olympic debut in the 2010 Vancouver
Winter Olympics.
After suffering a horrifying crash during his last race at the US Olympic Trials for the Vancouver Games, he deeply cut his right thigh (7in long, 2in deep) with his left blade and had to get 60 stitches. But he was able to recover by the Olympics and bring with him an
inspirational story of overcoming hardships.
Started in-line skating at first at
Federal Way, WA, but he decided to move down to Socal when he wanted to start short track speed skating.
Some see him as the next Apolo Anton Ohno (who he idolizes) after Ohno retires from the races.
A complete HEARTTHROB because he's so damn CUTE!