Patrick Chan said nothing wrong – in fact he’s dead right

Listening to a couple of commentators talk about Patrick Chan on the radio this morning, it sounded like he was going to have to surrender his Canadian passport before the Grand Prix Final in Quebec City this week.

They were talking as if the world champion figure skater had reportedly said he would rather skate for his parents’ birth country of China.

The only thing is he never said that. Not once in the Reuters report that is being cited as the source did Chan say any such thing.

Here’s the first block of quotes from Reuters:

"If you look at all the sports in China, the government is extremely involved and they are extremely proud of their athletes. People understand better what we do as skaters," Chan told Reuters in a telephone interview ahead of this week's Grand Prix Final in Quebec.

"Sometimes I feel we are not appreciated for how much work we put in. If my parents hadn't emigrated from China and say I had skated for China, things would have been very different. My parents wouldn't have had to make as much sacrifices as they have and there would be a lot more respect for what we do as figure skaters.

"I'm extremely well recognized in Korea just because of what I do on the ice and there is a lack of that in Canada because hockey is our sport and it will be for eternity. Figure skating has lost the draw and the attention (it used to have before)."

Okay, so what’s wrong with that?

Athletes are better supported in China and many other countries. Would he want to live and compete under that regime in China? Unlikely. But he’s NOT saying “I want to skate for China.”

He’s saying his parents wouldn’t have to make the sacrifices for him they’ve made here – which for them has meant going into debt and living apart as Chan trains in Colorado Springs, where mother Karen oversees things.

Let’s face it, Patrick Chan’s initials don’t stand for “politically correct.” He says what he thinks, but does not always think before he speaks. Better to have that than the robotic responses you get in most hockey dressing rooms.

Figure skating has lost its lustre and with it Chan’s chance to cash in on his world record breaking win at the world championships. It had to be disappointing to win so big and so impressively in Moscow and come home to a minimum of fanfare.

Let’s face it, very few people eve knew or cared there was a Grand Prix Final in Quebec City this week before Chan’s comments created a stir.

As for not being appreciated in his own country, he’s got some very good company – almost all of his fellow Olympians. Wasn’t that Olympic skeleton champion Jon Montgomery and teammate Mellisa Hollingsworth practically having to beg recently for a major sponsor for their federation just over a year after the Vancouver Games?

Most of our athletes and their sports are way more appreciated in other countries. Heck, the Canadian canoe and kayak team used to be sponsored by a Hungarian company.

Okay, here’s the other main quote from Reuters regarding his Chinese heritage:

"Several years ago I felt more Canadian but I'm slowly feeling more Chinese and feel I should be more proud of being Chinese and appreciate where I've come from. (This is because) of the support I get from the Chinese community in Canada," Chan, who is fluent in English, French and Cantonese, said as he took a break from his intensive training schedule.

"I do (wish I could have represented both China and Canada when I compete). That would be the ideal situation... in a perfect world."

What’s wrong with that? He DIDN’T say “I want to compete for China.” He’s gaining more appreciation as he gets older for his Chinese heritage and wishes he could pay it homage by competing for both.

The Chinese community in Toronto has given him huge support with at least two big fundraisers.

People are hammering Chan on this. Undoubtedly, Don Cherry will use him as a punching bag on Coaches Corner, though he should take note the kid does play hockey.

In Canada more than anywhere else, people should be able to understand his pride in his background.

Everybody loved it when wrestler Daniel Igali kissed the Canadian flag after winning Olympic gold at the 2000 Sydney Games, but a big part of his heart was still in Nigeria – in fact he’s a politician there now.

When Chan won big in Moscow, he was only carrying one flag. Take a look at the picture above to see which one it was.

 

Comments

[Shaun Nickerson]

He is just upset that figure skating isn't as well recognized as it used to be. Not since Elvis Stojko has a male Canadian figure skater really captured the heart of the country. Elvis showed heart, courage and amazing athletic ability. Patrick, while a very talented artistic skater, doesn't really capture those emotions. And before Elvis, Kurt Browning had a fire on the ice that really doesn't come through with Patrick.

And he is also right when he says China supports it's athletes. However, when it comes to the sacrifices comment...... if his parents hadn't moved to Canada, there is no way he would of even been able to make those comments. He would of been reprimanded, thrown off the team, maybe even into jail. How is that for support Patrick?

And as for the comment inside the headline, he DID say something wrong. He IS dead wrong. He "kinda" "sorta" "but not really" tells us off and then shrugs his shoulders going "What? I didn't do nothing!". He did. I am smart enough to read between the lines.

[TheObknox]

When you compare the country that is supporting you to compete in athletics (regardless of how well or poorly they do it) unfavourably to another country (that might support you more, but never let you speak), you might expect to get some well-warranted criticism. Something along the lines of "Feel free to renounce your Canadian citizenship and compete for China". You might also wonder about the intelligence of a person who suggests they are starting to feel more Chinese than Canadian (not exclusive)and then asks for support from Canada. Frankly, he just comes off as a whiner looking for attention. He harms his sport and his own reputation by doing it.

[Gavin Cresswell]

This is why I don't agree with giving money to athletes. They are so self absorbed it makes me sick. "Love me, give me money, appreciate me". Tell you what, before you do go to China how about paying all the taxpayers of Canada back all the cash you have recieved over the years? And hand back the Olympic medal; oh yeah you choked didn't you? Perhaps that's why you don't get the recognition.

[Molly]

He's being a suck. I love his skating and figure skating in general but if he had grown up in China, he would have been taken from his family at an early age and turned into a robot like all the other Chinese skaters. For someone like him who has such an emotional connection to the audience and his music, how would that have gone over? He likely would have given up skating because it was no longer fun.

[skating fan]

If Chan skated for China, he probably would have moved away from his family as a very young boy, and lived in a dormitory for most of his childhood. Visits home to see his parents, never mind any other family, probably would have been rare (unless, of course, his family lived very close by to a training facility). That would be a lot for an 8 or 9 year old to handle.

Just so he knows.

[ja]

Completely agree with Patrick’s feelings and thoughts about this country supporting athletes and sports other then hockey or baseball

[Dave Scott]

If your not happy here - leave. If you want to participate in high end sports be my guest, but don't expect the Canadian government and taxpayers to pay your way. There are a lot of Canadian parents that go into debt to help their kids participate in high end sports. Are you doing this because you love the sport, or are you looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?

[Vincent Santos]

I completely sympathize with Patrick Chan here. I'm Canadian too with Asian descent and immigrated here as an adult. And yet despite of my accomplishments (not to mention paying taxes and following the laws of the land), I still felt looked down and not given a chance to advance because I'm not a Caucasian-born Canadian. Take an example we have a crossword puzzle solving contest at work and I beat all the competition (all of them are WASP-types). One guy moaned that he got beat by an immigrant whose first language is not even English. Second was this past Christmas party at work and we have a Canadian geography contest and I aced that contest and one WASP told me I was lucky to guess them all correctly. My point is that some Canadians here don't want immigrants to upstage them and that is a FACT not fiction.

[Liv]

In case he hasn't noticed, every single sport in Canada besides hockey is under-appreciated. But that's the way it is- hockey is the way of life in this country. He really isn't that special compared to other Canadian amateur athletes in sports other than hockey. I realize he has been very successful, but the fact of the matter is he didn't win the most important competition or amateur athletes- he didn't win in the Olympics. IF he had, I am positive he would be more "appreciated." On another note, he should be thankful he is a winter athlete and not a summer- because those athletes really get the short end of the stick.

[ja]

So what for those who are talented but their parents can’t afford to sponsor him/her. Does this mean that his/her talent has to be wasted?!

[Shoeless Joe]

I wish Chan said he wanted to skate for China. Anyone who thinks Canada is better than China should stop drinking the cool aid. Canadians NEVER think for themselves; even though they are supposedly "free" to do it. They blindly and lazily adopt whatever the mainstream view is at the time. Their refusal to exercise so-called "freedoms" is why Canada is even more of a disgrace than China. Indeed, if Canadians ever bothered to try and exercise their "rights" (especially in a way displeasing to the state, a la "Occupy"), I think they'd find they actually don't have many. Luckily for the state though, they won't try. Skate for China, son - leave these ignoramuses to splash around in the mud.

[Daniel igali]

It is a bit sad that people are reading all kinds of meaning into chan,s frank thoughts. Dual nationality is a privilege. However, the fact that you make up your mind to compete for one country over the other does not mean you are no longer affiliated to the other country. It does not also mean that you have cut ties with your other country, it simply means you have made a decision to support and compete for a country that you love and adore.
The Canadian sports system can do better for our elite athletes. Comparing countries however is probably not the best idea, especially in public fora. My view however, is that canadian athletes, born and raised in Canada, are probably not more patriotic or more proud to be Canadian than Chan.

[JS14]

This is why funding for high end sports is a waste. Put the money into recreational sports instead. Sports should not be viewed as a career path, they should be made accessible for as many people as long as possible on a recreational basis. Far more good to society comes from hundreds of kids at a public skate, or in building more community arenas, than one spoiled brat winning a world championship in something that only benefits him.

[Andre]

I dont think he is right. He hasnt proven anything and like the first comment says, he hasnt captured the hearts of the ppl. Now he makes those comments and wants the celebrity of a hockey player, it will not happen. IF he wants that, he can go to china and stay under that communist rule. I myself was a fan (i love olympics) but after reading his comments im offended.

[Jim Jack]

Good for Patrick! He is an amazing Canadian and he is speaking his mind. I love the racists who say "if you don't like it you can leave". He is making a valid criticism of Canada and its poor record of support for its athletes. Patrick is our champion and has earned the right to speak up. He does so with the thoughts of support for his fellow athletes as he could turn professional at any time and earn a very good living. Patrick Chan, with his Chinese HERITAGE and Canadian citizenship does us all very proud, especially in exercising his Canadian right to free speech!

[Jane Roos]

For the past 10 years an organization I created called CAN Fund has been helping our great talent become world class. I understand where Patrick is coming from when he feels Canada does not appreciate our athletes.
CAN Fund supported 80% of the Canadian athletes who competed in Vancouver. After the Games 30 medalists applied again to CAN Fund because they were in debt. I believe we live in the best country in the world and we benefited greatly from Canada. I would love to see corporate Canada support our athletes more. To embrace excellence and celebrate accomplishment. When our athletes do well an entire nation celebrates. When our athletes do well they inspire all of us. The issue is what is the price of excellence and does Canada care about being excellent. I would love to see Corporate Canada donate $10,000 each to CAN Fund as a gratutity to our athletes who wear the maple leaf on the world stage. I would love Canada to appreciate and support all the men & women who wear the maple leaf including our arm forces. We all can do what we can to make this country even better. And maybe every Canadian NHL player could adopt their own Canadian athlete as well.

[jasitup]

What Patrick said is so true. I've seen 100's of very talented figure skaters not make it because they don't have the financial support. This also applies to hockey players. Only the very wealthy in this country make it. I know this first hand. More so in hockey because of the politics. It's heartbreaking to watch a young athlete have to give up their dream because their parents can't afford the money to keep them in it at an elite level. Chan wasn't speaking just for himself, he was speaking for the entire Country. I'm an even bigger fan of Chan's now. Good for you and keep up the great work.

[Keith Moriyama]

As a Canadian of Asian decent, I have to say I am disappointed in Chan's attitude. You don't have to be white and labeled with the 'racist' title to say, "your welcome to go back to where your ancestors came from." Because, that's exactly how I feel. Patrick, you and I are damn lucky our parents chose to come here, and they are lucky the world's most welcoming country let them in.

[Emily Miller]

I agree that people have taken his comments regarding his connection to China way out of context. Absolutely. MY issue is that he should look at outstanding majority of other athletes & sports in this country and realize that he does have a pretty good level of appreciation. People know who Patrick Chan is. Kids go to training and hope to become as good as him. People fill areanas to watch him compete. I can think of countless elite athletes from both individual & team sports who think 100 people watching them play INTERNATIONAL competitions at home is a good turn out. They are truly the invisible athletes in this country. It's not fair to compare the level of support Canadian athletes feel to those from other countries. We will always come up short (not that I think this shouldn't be improved). My only point is that he should look at others in this country and realize that he should be greatful.

[Keith Moriyama]

You want to talk under appreciated? Try being a female 3 time gold medal Olympian in our most beloved sport.

[Kent]

I am chinese canadian and I can't stand this kid. When he couldn't do the quad, he dismissed it. Now that he can do it, he acts like he invented it. And now this. Just shut up kid.

[Conn Smythe]

'When Chan won big in Moscow, he was only carrying one flag. Take a look at the picture above to see which one it was.' Right - he was only carrying the Canada flag because he wasn't skating for China. I read this article, and instead of getting angry at PC, only felt pity instead. All those things he said about his parents sacrifices, going in debt...It's not just immigrant parents that go in debt to help their children with their dreams (be it with sports, schooling, whatever) but white, black, brown, whatever colour/shade you are. And you don't feel appreciated, Patrick? Guess what - you're right. In the sporting world of Canada, you are on the low end of the totem pole. But surely you knew that going in. Although I'm glad you do skate for Canada, maybe, sincerely, you should reconsider and go skate for China. It may make you happier.

[Steve Boylzofdahood]

Honestly, let's just forget this kid ever opened his mouth and move on. Did he have to skip the class on China to master his skating, because he clearly know nothing about "where he comes from". Your a Canadian buddy. Sorry that we didn't come screaming after you for winning recently. We probably would have... if you'd done it at the Olympics. Where was the quad? We really appreciate those. Did we not make it clear through our car window flags, sea of jerseys, red and blue paint under your figure skates at rinks, and endless debate in bars, work places, public domains, newspapers and sports shows that hockey reigns supreme? You're ignorance of Canadian culture is almost as astonishing as your mastery of Chinese athletic programs. Get this kid some PR help!

[Steve Boylzofdahood]

Also @ ja
"Stop drinking the cool aid'? Do you realize in your comment that you talk about how Canadians will never challenge the government, AFTER mentioning the "Occupy" protests. Sure, some rights have been trampled on by over zealous cops, but thats why we have the courts to fix that. Look at G20 - Perfect example. You also realize that us "Adopting what is the mainstream" is adjusting our values as society dictates (A.K.A democratic reform) I don't know if you actually understand what your saying.

[Fry]

Although, Canadian Chinese is part of Canadian. But most of his support come from the CANADIAN Chinese community is the reason to force him feeling more Chinese. As a chinese in toronto, I don't know why he seems like never has enough money to hire coach or buy equip., but he always thru the local chinese community to donate money is the matter of fact. I believe the argue point is, how much of each athletic need, and how could Canada support them. Each athletic must thru a long road to have a chance to accomplish their goal, if only the medalist could get some support, it means this system is failed.