US short track speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno is interviewed by chinadaily.com.cn in Beijing February 13, 2012. [Photo for chinadaily.com.cn]

American speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno has confirmed to chinadaily.com.cn he will make an appearance at the fourth Winter Games in 2014, but can't say for sure if it will be as a competitor or commentator.

Ohno, who won eight short-track speed skating medals, including two golds, at three Winter Olympics, was in Beijing on a promotional tour as global ambassador of the Special Olympics.

The 29-year-old most decorated American short track speed skater said he has never ruled out competing in Sochi in two years despite a long absence since the 2010 Vancouver Games when rumors circulated of his retirement.

"I am training, but not regularly," he said admitting he now has a lot of parts in TV and film industries. "I am now focusing more on my charity mission especially the Special Olympics".

Ohno was appointed with the Special Olympics ambassadorial role in 2010 joining NBA basketball player Yao Ming from China and US Olympic champion swimmer Michael Phelps.

The skater ran at the New York Marathon last year under the endorsement of one of his sponsors, who promised to donate $1,000 per mile to the Special Olympics if the skater runs within three and a half hours. "So I did and the job was accomplished," He said.

Among the eight medals, the most cherished one in his mind was the 500m title at the 2006 Turin Games when he was coached by Chinese short track legend Li Yan.

"I led from start till finish and we call it the perfect race. I won many many world championships and world cup titles with Li and she was one of my favorite coaches for sure," Ohno said, "She's like a mom and I miss her so much."

Li is now coaching China and spearheaded the women's team to top of the world at the Vancouver Games by bagging all four women's short track titles.

"China's women's (short track) is no doubt the best and the men's has much to improve," the American said, adding he admires Yang Yang (A) best and from the men Li Jiajun is his arch rival.

"There is no secret behind my yarning every time before my race", he laughed. "It just helps me relax."