>With so many of the expected U.S. headliners going down in flames, Cheek could be one who winds up cashing in, along with the snowboarders. Not only did he actually win gold, he came across as very likeable. He was the voice of reason in all the hoopla involving his speedskating "teammates." And who doesn't like that bit about giving his prize money to charity?
>
>Canadian athletes must get endorsement deals, don't they? That's where the real money is.
Yes, the winners can get endorsement deals, but remember, this is Canada. The kind of money they get is not comparable to what U.S. endorsement athletes get. It's not like they'll starve, certainly, but it's very unlikely to run to 7 figures. I heard that Cindy Klassen has signed on with Manitoba Telecom Services, but I haven't heard anything about Clara Hughes.
From the Toronto Star:
Terms of the contract weren't disclosed. However, advertising and media industry
executives said Klassen, whose only previous corporate agreement was with McDonald's,
would stand to garner new deals worth at least $200,000 apiece in the wake of the
Olympics.
So you can see, they aren't talking millions here.
>
>
>>But let's not forget Joey Cheek and Clara Hughes. Cheek donated his entire $40,000 prize money from the U.S. olympic committee for his medals to 'Right to Play'. Clara Hughes, Canada's 5000 metre Gold Medal speed skater, inspired by Cheeks, donated $10,000.
>>
>>But bear in mind that Canadian athletes get nothing, zilch, zero, nada for winning medals. This was her own savings.
>>
>>Not to mention that she skated an astonishing race. Her final lap was something to behold.
>>
>>Talk about 'amazing'.
>>
>>>She was absolutely amazing.
>>>
>>>
>>>>Cindy Klassen of Canada has won 5 medals in the Winter Olympics, which is the most for any Canadian Olympian summer or winter. She is also the first Canadian to hold 6 career Olympic medals. She played on national youth hockey team, but when she wasn't selected for the 1998 Olympics she switched to speed skating.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cindy_Klassen
