Patrick Chan

I have a good idea of how lucky we are to be growing up in Canada.

I feel proud to be a skater: it's taught me how to be emotional, more connected with myself, more mature, more understanding of my thoughts and the conversations I've had with myself.

I relate really well to individuals who have a career and explore other adventures outside of skating. That, to me, is fascinating.

I hope I can compete in one or two Olympics in my career. Of course I would like to win a medal, but just being there would be awesome.

My parents are very good parents and have already said that they will look after me until the end of my skating career.

When I go to competitions, I don't have so much confidence that I don't worry or get nervous about the other skaters doing well.

Traditionally, skaters tend to tie their skates very tightly. I tend to just tie my foot down, then in the ankle area, I tend to keep it loose. It gives me better mobility. But also, you're relying on your own strength as opposed to resting on the boot.

I tried all kinds of sports when I was a kid, like soccer and tennis and golf, and, in fact, started skating to be able to play hockey.

I was born in Canada for a reason. It was because my parents wanted me to have the freedoms that this country offers.

My skating brought me to a level of being well known in Canada, but I've grown up having trained in the U.S. I haven't lost my roots in Canada thanks to the little rpminders again when I come home: People thanking me for what I do and for representing Canada in the world stage.

I was so proud to have the chance to be able to represent Canada at the Olympics in Vancouver.

Every Olympics, we always end up having someone on the podium that we had no idea, or we didn't expect them to be.