Breakfast with the Chans

We recently had breakfast with a great Canadian sporting family, Lewis and Karen Chan, parents of Canadian figure skater Patrick Chan. As we sat and talked, we had a great discussion with a very knowledgeable, friendly and supportive Olympic family.

All In The Family

It shouldn't be a surprise that Patrick has had the kind of success that he's experienced when you talk to his parents and learn about their sporting lineage. His father Lewis, who grew up in Montreal, played table tennis competitively at a high level, winning the Junior Championship in Quebec and representing that province on the national stage. After retiring from Table Tennis, Lewis moved on to new pursuits such as weight lifting, tennis and skiing.

Patrick's mother, Karen, has her own strong sporting background. Karen won the city championship in both Singles and Mixed-Doubles Tennis when she was younger. While telling us about her tennis background, she corrected Lewis when he mistakenly said 'doubles' as he was describing her sports experience.

One of the greatest parts of this Family Correspondent experience has been finding the fire, passion and inner desire that pushes Olympic athletes to the heights of greatness. We often find that drive and passion in their family members to as well. This was the case with Lewis and Karen.  In general, the Chans are not easily fazed and remain very relaxed when watching and speaking about their son. But when Karen corrected her husband it was one of those moments - getting the details about her sport correct - that offered a brief glimpse that helps to tell more of Patrick's story.

 

A True Competitor

Patrick Chan is well known as a figure skater, but I was very impressed with his overall sports background. His parents were actually surprised that he ended up in figure skating since he excelled in downhill skiing at the early age of 5. However, once the family moved from Ottawa to Toronto and the distance to quality ski destinations became quite far, Patrick's skiing took a backseat to other sporting interests.

Patrick Chan was apparently discovered in Canada after a competition in the United States when Patrick was mentioned on a US Skating website. Skate Canada began to pay more attention to him and that has clearly resulted in a fruitful partnership. 

His parents marvelled at how much knowledge Patrick has of many sports, not just his own. Patrick just ingests sports and sporting knowledge, according to his mother. And he always tries whatever sport is put in front of him: from rock climbing on a trip to BC with fellow Olympian Jennifer Heil to playing tackle football with school friends.

Lewis told a story about picking up Patrick when he was younger after he had played a game of tackle football with some friends at school - no pads or anything like adolescent boys tend to do. Lewis tried to gently suggest that tackle football might not be the best idea for a budding figure skater, hoping to deter Patrick rather than push him to teenage defiance. But his son told him not to worry, "They all said they wouldn't tackle my legs so it's alright!"

Another great interest Patrick has is cars and racing. He really likes cars and on one occasion former Canadian Olympian Elvis Stojko had tried to get him to come down to California to race with him.

Cool Under Fire

Patrick has emerged as a recognizable face on the Canadian Olympic scene, something that many figure skaters in Canada experience. However his father doesn't believe that Patrick feels any added pressure, either from the regular media or the enhanced media coverage that comes with the Games being in Vancouver. Lewis said, "I obviously don't know what's going through the mind of a teenager," but noted that in competition Patrick generally remains cool and collected.

While we ate breakfast, the replay of Patrick's short program from the night before was on TV; it was the first time that the Chans had seen the television coverage of their son's routine. Lewis gave a play-by-play breakdown where he exhibited impressive knowledge of figure skating while talking about Patrick's routine.  You can expect Patrick to have a long and successful career ahead if he has the same demeanour as his father. Both of his parents are very supportive but put the whole Olympic experience into proper perspective.

Making The Trek For Patrick

Karen and Lewis have supported Patrick fully on his journey to the 2010 Winter Games. In fact, in one case, they have literally gone out of the way to ensure that Patrick would have his shot at success! When heading out to Vancouver, Lewis flew direct from Toronto; however, Karen made a detour through Colorado to pick up Patrick's skates where they were being sharpened. Apparently you cannot bring skates as carry-on luggage in Canada. However you can bring them as a carry-on item in the United States so a potential crisis was averted.

It was a pleasure for Dan and I to meet Karen and Lewis Chan.  Watching Patrick in the Olympics and meeting his family, it is clear to us that the young 19 year-old from Toronto has great potential and a fruitful career ahead. We wish Patrick all the best during these Games, at the World Championship in March and in the years of competition to come!

Photo Credits: PatrickChan.ca

Comments

[k.x]

With such down to earth and supportive parents, it's not shocking to have a son that is as amazing and just as down to earth like Patrick.

We loved you then, we love you now and we'll always love you Patrick. Good luck at worlds.

[Jenny Luong]

Although the Winter Olympics have ended (sadly) our love and support for you will be forever!! :D ♥

See you next Winter Olympic!! ^~^