Canadian figure skaters prepared to reach podium in Vancouver
When the Olympic flame burns over Vancouver in February, the Canadian figure skating team will be among the youngest competitors at the Games.
Despite their age they are steeped in global experience, capturing more wins than any other country on the recent international circuit and three medals at the last two World Championships.
This success is no mistake.
Over the last three years Skate Canada has undergone a significant makeover.
William Thompson, CEO Skate Canada, a former Olympic judge and corporate lawyer, has developed common sense standards of operation for the athletes and the organization.
Thompson's goal has been to "change Skate Canada from thinking like an amateur sports body to a successful business."
As Skate Canada's director of high performance, Mike Slipchuk is responsible for athlete development.
A Canadian Men's champion and Olympian; he brings firsthand experience on how to succeed in a winning culture.
He also recognizes that the Olympic Games are unlike any other competition.
This year the intensity and duration will only be amplified by the pressure of competing at home and the prospect of becoming celebrities overnight.
Skate Canada orchestrated three Olympic simulation camps at the Pacific National Exhibition with one more this September so the team will feel at home in the venue once the Games begin. Our team also draws on the tremendous talent of our 1988 Calgary Olympians for guidance. Tracy Wilson won bronze in Ice Dance, Brian Orser, silver in Men's and Elizabeth Manley, silver in Ladies.
These veterans continue to dedicate themselves to skating and offer their support by talking to our team about managing the pressures of performing well on their home turf.
This season, our national team's choreography and practice regimes are well ahead of schedule and systems are in place to help the athletes concentrate on their most important element for success - physical and mental training.
Will our figure skaters reach the podium in 2010?
There is no guarantee - but they are prepared and hungry. Their training, the enthusiasm of their coaches and the commitment of Skate Canada are all evidence that our skaters are doing everything possible to ensure the maple leaf rises to the rafters.
- Debbi Wilkes, Olympic silver medallist, director of marketing & communications, Skate Canada
