Patrick: It was the best one of the three. The first two, Vancouver and Sochi had their own challenges, and I think I was so caught up in the result portion of the Olympics and the exposure of the Olympics that I didn’t take the time to really look around me and enjoy every second.

Interviewer: A gold right away in the team event – just talk about that, because you could see the camaraderie.

Patrick: After Sochi it was the inaugeral event, we came second and then we realized we could have won it. So one of our teammates, Meagan Duhamel, she kind of was the forefront of it. She said, ‘we need to come back in 2018 and win it, because we have the best team, the longest standing national team that’s been through the years.’ I think we had the strength to do it and we did it in Korea, and I’m so happy about that.

Interviewer: Was there less pressure because it’s not all focused on you?

Patrick: Not in a way. For me, the long program in the team event was the hardest for me, as opposed to the individual, because you have all your teammates… it’s hard to see but, all your teammates are sitting in a box right on the edge of the ice. They’re all there, and they’re watching you, and they’re all kind of holding their breath with you, so you want to perform. You want to be able to do your portion of the team event and do it well and luckily I was able to perform to the high standard.

Interviewer: It was probably the most emotional games ever for you. I saw you read that great letter from your parents. I think that’s the first time I see you cry.

Patrick: (laughs) Yeah, I never do that. That’s probably the biggest high… Yes, the gold medal is great but that’s kind of the underlying, I think the most positive thing of this experience was that… My parents had been through a lot with me, and the ups and downs, me moving away and going through a couple rough years together and not being in contact all the time to now, it’s come full circle. My parents, to see them smile in the audience, and I saw a couple clips and to see them cheering and my mom getting excited with a smile on her face, finally… that’s a highlight, and that letter just touched the heart, because it’s been a rough journey.

Interviewer: Canadians coast to coast to coast are going to miss you. The artistry that you exude on the ice… run some footage from the Nationals here in Vancouver. Are you going to miss this?

Patrick: Luckily with skating, with Stars On Ice coming, I luckily can still perform and I can still enjoy the best parts of skating, which is performing and skating and feeling the ice and all that stuff is still going to be there. I just think it’s time to really share with the next generation of skaters and create more great skaters coming from Canada.

Interviewer: You’re still going to perform?

Patrick: Yes, absolutely. I’m young, I still love the sport, I still love feeling the glide of the ice… I want to do it on show ice. I want to go out on top, and I think this was definitely the best ending to a competitive career.

Interviewer: And you made a gold medal-worthy decision by deciding to settle in Vancouver.

Patrick: Yes, exactly! I totally agree. It’s been a whirlwind. I’m from Toronto, and it was a hard decision to decide if I was going to stay in Toronto where my parents are from or come to Vancouver. The outdoors of Vancouver and the beauty of Vancouver somehow just pulled me here. I’m so happy.

Interviewer: Welcome to the West Coast officially, and congratulations.

Riaz: What is the true art of the struggle that we don’t get to see that led you to this point?

Patrick: There’s a lot of challenges when it came to being away from Canada, like I was training in the U.S. for about seven years before that. There was a lot of challenges in terms of being away from home for so long and feeling almost like, I was losing the motivation to do it because I haven’t been skating three Olympic cycles and I kind of lost the motivation to go and train. In those moments, you’re like, who do I turn to? Who do I go to to talk about what’s the next step? What step should I take and… All I did was really, I said okay, I need to stop and walk away from the rink for a couple days and then listen to my heart and think about where I want to be mentally. Where is a place that inspires me again? And kind of sparks something, and I came to Vancouver and…

Tara Jean: Tada!

Tara Jean: You’re not tearing down the farm, are you?

Patrick: No, I’m not. Yeah, I’m hoping to start a skating academy. Vancouver and British Columbia is just such a beautiful place that there needs to be a skating school out here. There’s one in Toronto, there’s one in Montreal, there’s so many out East, but I just think there needs to be one out West because it’s, I think there’s so much more to just a place to train. It’s important to have a place that’s inspiring, a city that’s inspiring, an environment that’s constantly nurturing your body and your mind, so I think there’s so much more to training and skating than just being in an ice rink.

Tara Jean: You just reminded me why I paid so much for my mortgage. Thank you!

Patrick: (laughs) I’m about to, too, so don’t worry.

Tara Jean: Welcome to the club. Can we get a nice closeup shot of that gold again?

Patrick: Yes, absolutely, yeah.

Tara Jean: Look at that.

Riaz: Beautiful souvenir. Patrick, you did us proud. Another big round of applause! Patrick Chan represented Team Canada! Now, when you get that school going, maybe TJ and I will come down for a lesson.

Patrick: Yeah, give you a lesson, 100%.

Tara Jean: He’s like, sure, thanks for wasting my time…

“It’s a nice feeling,” the Toronto skater said with a grin, adding that he plans to leave it in his suitcase for a little while.

“I’ll take a look at it every once in a while. It’s sometimes better to keep it away and then just enjoy it once in a while.”

“I’ve waited for so long, in a way,” said Chan, who recently relocated to Vancouver. “It’s a new beginning and a rebirth.”

But first, he’ll enjoy a rest.

My approach to these Olympics was very different than the last two. It kind of gave me the time and the preparation to really plan this out to be an experience for myself, an experience where, no matter the results, I can walk away feeling like I’ve accomplished something for myself.

Patrick started skating at age 10 – true or false?

Dan: I’m going to say false.

Jay: You’re correct. You (Patrick) started skating at age five.

Patrick: Yes.

Jay: Dan was once an airborne traffic reporter in Vancouver who went by the moniker “Captain D”.

Patrick: That doesn’t sound good. I’m gonna say false.

Jay: It’s true.

Patrick: It’s true?! Oh no!

Jay: We just learned it on this trip!

Dan: I did 501 flights in a Cessna around Vancouver.

Jay: Patrick’s first World Championship medal came at age 18. True or false?

Dan: I’m going to say false.

Patrick: (sighs) I left. I left right away so… to get here, but I think we were pretty positive. It is what it is, the shootout is unpredictable. It’s the flip of a coin.

Jay: Scott Moir. Did we find someone to get him home safe?

Patrick: (sighs) I left. I left right away so… to get here, but I think we were pretty positive. It is what it is, the shootout is unpredictable. It’s the flip of a coin. I think if it was another overtime period, it would have been better.

Jay: Did we find a DUI for Scott Moir? Did we find someone to get him home safe?

Patrick: Designated driver? (laughs) Luckily, we have a lot of buses running to the village. But he was fine. I think we just got really emotional. We’re very emotional people, that’s why we’re in figure skating… he was loving it. We were trying to imitate what we did in Sochi. We were very energetic and he was, and I think everyone in Canada thinks the same. Like some of the calls were a little questionable but, none of my business.

Dan: But it’s such a unique moment, when you see that, all your Olympic teammates just joining together.

Patrick: It is. We got there on the first period, it was a little quiet. Then everybody started coming in the second period, third period, so yeah, the energy starts growing and it’s a team that we’ve kind of grown up together since Vancouver 2010.

Jay: That’s a long time.

Patrick: It’s a long time and we’ve kept in touch, the COC does a great job keeping us together and talking and we have great meetings and we’ve really chewed it off, so it’s really fun. It’s not the same without them.

Jay: Look what you’re wearing around your neck, there. How does that feel, buddy?

Patrick: (holds up his gold medal) Yeah, pretty heavy.

Jay: That’s not too shabby, right? For you, what does that mean to you and your legacy as a skater, Pat?

Patrick: Yes, it’s great. Like a gold medal feels really special. It’s what I’ve dreamed of, but it’s funny how it’s really what I’ve learned along the way, like to get here, and at the end of the day, it’s going to end up in my shoe box, it’s more…

Jay: You keep it in your sock.

Patrick: And a sock for now, yeah.

Jay: Everyone’s keeping their gold medal in a sock.

Patrick: Because if someone’s going to steal it, their not going to look through a sock, right? So…

Jay and Dan: Right, right.

Jay: Not your pants, maybe?

Patrick: My underwear, maybe? (laughs)

Dan: How do you view your legacy, because it must be overwhelming. Do you ever take the time to look at what you have accomplished?

Patrick: I look back to Sochi and when I finished those games, it was a very different feeling than I have right now. I felt like I gave it my all in Sochi. I was the best athlete, I was the top of my game, but little did I know, when I stepped on that ice in Sochi, I didn’t feel like I wanted to be there, I wanted to really enjoy every minute of that program. But here in Pyeongchang yes, the result was completely different, and it’s a different sport, a different circumstance, but I really stepped on that ice and said, “you know what? I’m going to take this for myself. I’m going to enjoy every second of it and I didn’t have a chance to do that before, so I’m really happy I did that here.

Jay: So now, what’ next for you? Have you thought about that?

Patrick: Yeah, lot’s of things planned. First of all, I’m looking forward to establishing myself in Vancouver

Dan: Great city to establish yourself in.

Patrick: It is, it is. And I think it’s a great city to start a skating academy eventually. I’m just going to start by getting my coaching certification, that’s a first step, and then…

Dan: Wait, can’t they just give it to you?

Jay: It feels like you should just go get it.

Patrick: Well, I’ve got to do the first aid. I don’t know CPR…

Jay: CPR, and then maybe you can coach some figure skaters, Pat. Otherwise, no.

Jay: Dan grew up on a pig farm in Peterborough, ON.

Patrick: I’m going to say, true.

Dan: I did.

Patrick: (fist pump) 1-1! 1-1! It’s the women’s game.

Jay: Dan, here we go. Patrick can speak three languages – English, French, and Cantonese.

Dan: He seems like a very smart guy, so I’m going yeah.

Jay: That’s one hundred percent correct. (Patrick nods) And, here we go, one for you. Dan played junior hockey for his hometown team, the Peterborough Petes.

Patrick: Your face looks too good. I’m going to say false.

Dan: Yeah, and I’m not big enough, so…

Jay: Dan, Patrick is in the Guinness Book of World Records. Is that true or false?

Dan: I’m going to say, yeah.

Jay: That’s right. Record-breaking performances at the 2011 World Figure Skating Championships got you in there, my friend.

Patrick: I don’t think I’m in the current one, but yeah.

Jay: It’s not important…

Dan: As long as you’re in one of them!

Patrick: (shhh)

Jay: Patrick, Dan’s first dog’s name was Orser after Brian Orser.

Patrick (grimaces): False.

Jay: That’s false.

Dan: You’re right. It was Fonzie.

Jay: Did we check in on Scotty? Is he okay?

Dan: He’s in an Uber.

Jay: Man, it was great seeing my friend. We’ve wanted to have you on for a long time. Congratulations on everything.

Patrick: Thank you.

Jay: Let’s hang in Vancouver some time

More important than Olympic medals and international victories, you have demonstrated your desire to learn and improve by dedicating countless hours to hone your craft. You have succeeded in instilling self-discipline and the will to excel. Throughout many challenging moments over the years, you have displayed calm and dignity, and always maintained a sense of humor.

You have grown up from a curious little boy to a kind and compassionate young man… (takes tissue) who cares about others and wants to make the world a better place. All this will will carry you in good stead in the next chapter of your life. Take a moment to kick back and enjoy the moment in life. There is much to celebrate.

I’ve never done this, I’ve never cried on camera, but holy crap… Yeah, I think my parents and I have had our challenges. I’ve had my challenges on the ice, and for them to be there when I’ve… to see me change, to see me be a young skater on the ice to leaving them and being on my own, and then coming back and being here at my third games and…

The minute I took my starting position, before I even got to the end, I was already feeling so good about myself, I felt like I wanted to be there, I wanted to enjoy every second of that program because I deserved those minutes that I earned to be here, so I took full advantage of it and I just wanted to end the program and think to myself that I really make the best of every second of this moment, and I feel like I did.

I feel like I’ve been in the best shape of my career, and that’s me saying that when I’m 27. I would have thought Sochi was probably the best; I was the best athlete at that point. But little did I know, I would be even better. I went in feeling confident, I didn’t have fear of losing steam at the end of the program. I was just present the whole time, and that’s an experience.

(Holds up gold medal) Yes, it’s great to win this, but being on that ice and commanding the moment is really I think the highlight of my experience.

Jacqueline: That’s awesome. So Pyeongchang was a different experience, and majorly diffrent from Sochi and Vancouver?

Patrick: Yes, very different. Vancouver, I was just young and brash and wanted a gold medal because it was a home game, and totally let the experience go right by me. Sochi, again, in some way I let it go right by me because my mind was just so set on winning gold and proving to everyone I’m the best in the world, and only a medal can prove that.

But unfortunately, that made it so that my experience, I just forgot how to skate, I forgot how to enjoy myself, I forgot to just do the sport because of the love of it, and I didn’t want to let that happen this time, this third time around, because it’s not going to happen again, and I wanted to make the best of it.

Jacqueline: Did you always appreciate that? Or did it take you maybe closer to the Pyeongchang games to kind of…

Patrick: Yeah, it took me this year. (laughs) Yeah, the summer, like the summer of 2017 to realize like… or start having that conversation that it’s great to win gold, like it’s our dream, and it’s… I dream to be on Olympic podium, standing on the top, by myself. That’s, I thought about that but on the other hand, it’s okay to not be at the top all the time.

Jacqueline: Was there anyone who stood out for you particularly?

Patrick: Unfortunately, I didn’t see the last flight of men because I was doing media. Being third to skate, I tried to peek every couple seconds on the TV, but I knew it was a hard fought battle. Everybody laid it down, and I’m so glad I was able to hang on and be a part of this wonderful group of men that have pushed the envelope beyond that I ever could imagine.

And I’m so proud of Yuzu and proud of Javi, especially – a friend who has gone through the struggles, and he had to battle his way here, and he did that and I’m proud to call him a friend and I’m proud that he can now have an Olympic medal around his neck, because it’s quite a feeling.

Jacqueline: If you could pass on the theoretical torch to someone, who would you say, and why?

Patrick: As a skater, specifically?

Jacqueline: As a skater, thank you.

Patrick: Wow. I think Nathan Chen from the US, I think he has… when I watch him, I spent some time training with him the past summer and he… talk about a kid who is talented. The drive he has and the determination and he actually is enjoyable watch. I like seeing he has beautiful lines. I think he comes from a gymnastics background so he chose those qualities. All I can say is that he’s only 18 and he’s already been pushed so far up into the limelight in the US and it’s pretty ferocious.

I just hope that he… I have a soft spot for him because I know that this is a crucial time. He needs to remember again not to lose sight of why he’s doing this when there’s so many people controlling what you’re doing, you easily lose track and you sometimes feel the pressure of having to do it for others, as opposed to himself. But he looks like he has a blast. He loves doing those quads, he loves learning new things, so I hope he doesn’t forget that.

Jacqueline: How was it winning the team gold, and did you feed off the success your teammates had like Meagan and Eric?

Jacqueline: What’s the Canada House like?

Patrick: It’s awesome. It’s way bigger than it’s ever been – it’s the largest Canada House we’ve had. It’s open to public, so we have our rivals coming in and cheering us along as well and what an experience to have a place to feel like you’re at home and a place to just meet. Every time I want to meet up with my family, we say okay, where do we meet? Instead of saying ‘oh, this corner? No, let’s meet at the Canada House’, that’s a good meeting spot, and then we go from there.

There is a lot of plaid, a lot of wood.

Jacqueline: So we have a question from Leslie as well. Can’t wait to see you in London for Stars On Ice. But she also wants to know would you consider coaching?

Patrick: Absolutely. It’s an intimidating idea, because I’ve always been on one side of that, and on the receiving end. I’ve never been the one to teach people, so it’s going to be an experience. I’m going to get my certification first and foremost, and then I hope to start a skating school in Vancouver maybe not immediately – it’s going to take a couple of years, I’m sure. That sort of thing takes time. But BC is a beautiful place. I’ve learned to love it. I’ve learned to appreciate it, so I want the younger generation to not only have a great place to train, but a place that inspires them outside of the skating rink.

Jacqueline: Awesome. So much to look forward to, Patrick, and we also have something that you wrote to yourself.

Patrick: Omigosh. I’m scared to read this.

Okay. Accept what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be.

Scott: Were you able to chase it (fear) away, Patrick?

Patrick: Absolutely. Yesterday I told myself coming to these games, the one thing I wanted to do was to step on that ice and not skate with that worried look and feel like I can own that ice and I deserved those four minutes and forty seconds of performance by myself. It was such an exhilarating experience, such a different one than Sochi.

Gosh, my parents have gone through so much from the first days I started skating to now. They’ve grown together with me. My parents have, I think, been there for the days that have not been great, of course. They never lost hope. They experienced me leaving home and training on my own in Michigan and… but they still came to every single competition and they were still there to support me every step of the way. I couldn’t ask for a better experience, I’ve been so lucky, and there’s Liz like… (laughs watching the video of his parents and girlfriend) She’s very, very stressed, as you can tell. I’m so glad she was there with my parents, because the three of them have contributed so much to my career.

Scott: What do you want to do now? What will Patrick Chan hope to become?

Patrick: It’s a bit weird now. As an athlete, you’re always striving for a gold medal at the Olympic games. I kind of got one, and maybe I didn’t in some people’s eyes but… at the end of the day I left these games and I’ve left this career having grown so much. And now I have all these amazing experiences and amazing tools to move forward, and I can live my life with a huge smile on my face and look forward to the next challenges and I hope… I love Vancouver, I love BC and it’s such a beautiful place and I feel like there should be some amazing skaters coming out of there who feel inspired by hopefully the skating academy that I might start, and then just Vancouver as a place. It’s such an inspiring place to live.

Scott: Patrick, congratulations on everything that you’ve done. It’s been great to follow your career. You’re a great champion.

At first it was like a competitor, a nemesis, and… I hated him, but now I really was able, and that’s something to be proud of for me. I was able to sit there and say, “Wow, I appreciate this skate. He truly deserves this. And he skated the best out of everybody; every other man in that event.

Walia said. “I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Back then, I had never seen anything like that: this skater that could just fly across the ice, doing really difficult turns that you would think you would have to do a lot slower. Doing this complex type of movements with speed: no other skater does it like him.”

Jeffrey Buttle, who skated with Chan as a competitor, and worked with him as a choreographer, says: “People who talk about ‘Chanflation’ have probably never been competitive skaters. My legs hurt watching him sustain those ridiculous edges and turns. He is literally a master of skating.”

Walia says Chan’s basic skating was so far superior to his competitors, there should have been a gap between his marks and theirs. “And there should also have been a gap if he made a mistake. There should have been a gap [technically] for that if he made a mistake. He would lose credit for a mistake and mathematically, he did. But if he made a mistake, he still had his skills to fall back on.”