Ohno all smiles after securing his magnificent seven

From Sportsbeat staff, in Vancouver

APOLO Anton Ohno was ‘all smiles' after becoming the most decorated US Winter Olympian of all-time - but admitted he thought he'd won gold.

SEVENTH HEAVEN: Apolo Anton Ohno celebrates his seventh Olympic medal - securing his place as the greatest American Winter Olympian of all-time (Getty Images)

Ohno's 1500m short track speed skating bronze,behind Koreans Jung-Su Lee and Ho-Suk Lee, was his seventh Winter Olympic medal, edging him ahead of speed skating legend Bonnie Blair.

And, but for a late slip, which dropped him from a well-placed second to a distant fifth, it could have been so much better.

Asked about his new status, he said: “It means so much to have the honour, especially in a sport that is as volatile as short track.

"It's another historic night and not just because of the label. It just feels good to be recognised as one of the greatest of all-time.

"There aren't many athletes who come to back-to-back Olympic Games and medal, so to be able to do that in three Games makes me feel very blessed.

"I never came into these Olympics thinking about records. Our sport is crazy and to win one medal is a huge accomplishment to any athlete."

Ohno had looked impressive during the heats and semi-finals and looked poised to strike in the final, as he sought to regain the title he won in Salt Lake City eight years ago.

"When I moved up into second place with two and a half laps to go I felt great and thought that the race was mine," he added.

"But then I had a big slip and lost all my speed and I saw everyone fly by me. I was able to regroup mentally, fight hard and come back to win a bronze medal.

"I wanted to leave my heart and soul on the ice and I did. It wasn't my day to win, I thought it was because I felt great physically and mentally, but it was still another victory to me."

 AS IT HAPPENS: Day nine of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver