Non-Canadian Athletes who train in Canada.

[TheRob]

The question is, does Athletics Canada charge all these foreign athletes to train here? That Aussie ski jumper apperantly trains in Whistler. That American speed-skater trains in Calgary with Jeremy Wotherspoon(can't remember his name)With all the athletes that do, they could make some decent money. Does anyone know?

[SC]

If it is anything like track and field or soccer for that matter, there are things called 'clubs'. Most athletes just belong to clubs and pay dues to train in these facilities. (It isn't based on nationalities, anyone can join).

For instance the Trinidadian Bobsled team: 2 of them live in Calgary, were they belong to a club. They pay dues to use the bobsled facilities and train in local gyms. (they have jobs/careers) The other one lives in Idaho and trains there (weights etc.)(he is there for school on a track scolarship).
You obviously have to have some financial back up, and some of these athletes have private sponsorship. Some have a 'money man' - or company to make these arrangements. (It depends on your promotion, or interest of financial back up.) - in this case, that is how the T&T team exists.

The T&T bobsled team is interested in having 'real' Trinidadian members, but no locals want to move up to Calgary to train. One they can't get real jobs (without a Visa) and two, the T&T government isn't supporting that sport/winter yet.

Australia on the other hand has put millions into their amateur sports program, thus seeing tons of financial back up for their athletes. If the Summer games were any indication for the OZ athletes, and now with this gold under their belts, you will see a ton more cashola thrown in the winter way. Look for OZ to dominate in the next summer and winter games - of course due to their financial strength (or shifting of funds to amateur athletes as opposed to nuclear war weapons) - They also have fantastic facilities

+SClovestheamateur aspectofsports

[tiner]

Many athletes come to australia to use our facilities that are top notch due to our obsession with sport. I think this is great. It to me, then allows for a situation where aussie athletes can train elsewhere when the facilities are lacking.

anyway, whistla IS part of australia!!!!