En route to the Olympics

Interview with Isabelle Charest, Canada’s chef de mission for the Pyeongchang Winter Games

We’re almost there. In about a month from now, athletes from all around the world will be heading for South Korea. As the Canadian delegation is being selected and finalized, chef de mission Isabelle Charest agreed to talk with us about the preparations being made to provide our athletes with the optimal conditions for victory. Close to 230 athletes will make up the Canadian delegation. Most will be named at the end of January.

A triple Olympic medallist in short-track speed skating (Lillehammer 1994, Nagano 1998 and Salt Lake City 2002), Isabelle Charest was assistant chef de mission at the 2016 Rio Games. She was also chef de mission at the 2016 Youth Winter Olympic Games. Her skating career includes a number of successes in World Cup and World Championships, including the world record in the 500m (1996-1997).

Tremblant Express: “What are the medal goals for the Canadian delegation?”

Isabelle Charest: “We don’t really talk about the number of medals. Our goal is to establish all the necessary conditions so that the athletes can achieve optimal performances. These conditions allow the athletes to compete on the ground. We observe this with our success in the World Championships and the World Cup. As a result, we can expect great results.”

T.E.: “What are these ‘optimal conditions’?”

I.C.: “They relate mainly to preparation, as much for the athletes as for the teams that gravitate around them. We want to be sure that the athletes have access to all the resources they need and can respond to any situation that may arise. This is work that takes place over several years. We count on cooperation and collaboration among the various players in order to have a full team and not several small teams gathered under one banner. Organization is one of the great strengths of the Canadian Olympic Committee. The objective is to be able to foresee the unforeseeable.”

T.E.: “Does the geopolitical context negatively impact these optimal conditions?” 

I.C.: No. No matter where the Games are held, the safety of the athletes and the delegation remains Canada’s priority. Work is carried out jointly by the many security authorities of various governments and we monitor carefully to ensure that everyone is safe. What we know currently is that there are no recommendations or additional fears with respect to what could happen in South Korea. We are keeping a very close eye on the situation. We also count a lot on transparency with our athletes so that they are aware of the latest developments and that they and their families feel safe.”

T.E.: “Do you believe that the National Olympic Committee (NOC) program for our athletes is comparable to that of other larger countries?”

I.C.:I would say that the National Olympic Committee is in good health when it comes to the quality and quantity of programs offered to the athletes. I feel that we train athletic human beings who are much more rounded than was the case 15 years ago. Not just in preparation for the Games, but also in preparation for life post-career.”

T.E.: “Will we see the appearance of new disciplines?”

I.C.: “Yes, there are six new events in four disciplines, including a mixed team in alpine skiing, a mass start in long-track speed skating, and big air in snowboarding.”

T.E.: “How do you feel about the appearance of new events, as chef de mission?”

I.C.: “I feel that it’s refreshing and brings a new vision to Olympic sport. I think that there’s room for other disciplines, particularly in the Winter Games. It can create a dream for children who have different tastes and ideas. I think that there’s something for everyone and for all tastes.”

T.E.: “As a former Olympic athlete, do you find some sports more moving or thrilling than others?”

I.C.: “I take a great deal of pleasure in following all sports. I have a lot of admiration, empathy and gratitude for all the athletes. I really have the most extraordinary role. I am in the front row seats, whatever the discipline. It fascinates me to see an athlete on the point of throwing himself or herself from the top of a run. Obviously, short-track speed skating is special for me. I have known Charles Hamelin since he was just a little boy, and I’ve seen him evolve. But all the athletes move me.”

Guillaume Vincent430 Posts

Rédacteur et journaliste de profession, Guillaume Vincent a fait ses armes au sein de l’agence QMI. Il s’est joint au Tremblant Express en 2014. Promu en 2017, il y assume depuis le rôle de rédacteur en chef et directeur de la publication. / A writer and photojournalist by profession, Guillaume Vincent won his stripes in the QMI agency. He joined Tremblant Express in 2014. Promoted in 2017, he has been editor-in-chief and co-publisher since then.

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