Transpacificflyer

So many incorrect assumptions, and so many unfounded character attacks upon a person who is genuinely decent. All because of one poorly worded tweet since retracted once the person had some sleep. To be blunt, some of the negative comments are just pathetic. Jealous and bitter come to mind as well. Touts worked hard, put in 14 hour+ days, worked through some painful injuries and has taken risks with his life choices that would cause some of the people on this board taking cheap shots to burst into tears.

People are carrying on as if Air Canada has pumped millions into the Canadian Olympic teams and its members. Newsflash: It hasn't. The Canadian Olympic organizers don't get much from corporate Canada. It's not like Team USA or any of the European teams who can can count on some mega donations. The Canadian team needs a transport sponsor. Unlike other countries, there is only one airline that flies to the key training and competition destinations and the Canadian Olympic organizers are somewhat forced to consider Air Canada because of real politik.

I don't want to take anything away from Air Canada, because whatever it provides is still something and certainly better than nothing. However, people are carrying on as if the team flies for free and are being greeted with rose petals. Yes, the Olympic organization benefits, but Air Canada gets to hitch its brand to a positive entity, an entity that is loved, admired, young, bold, good looking and for the most part a fantastic brand ambassador. The Olympic athletes are gold in themselves. In a large number of countries, the Olympic athletes, especially the medal winners are greeted as heroes with a red carpet wherever they go. The Dutch speed skaters are deities at home and you can be assured that KLM was fawning over them. What a contrast between Air Canada and KLM. The Dutch airline dedicated a plane to the athletes and painted it half orange. Crews were dressed in the customary blue with the traditional orange accessories and boy were the Dutch athletes well looked after while on board. The Asian athletes were taken care off with the Chinese athletes in particular being feted as national heroes. And then we come to Canada, where Canadian athletes sit in the back of the bus, and where self proclaimed experts assail those who are successful

Reality check: When someone like Touts wins a gold medal, it puts Canada on the map and gets the country brand prestige. Canada's winter sports industry gets a multi million dollar injection of free publicity every time a Canadian gets attention. People are flying to Canada to snowboard and ski when prominent athletes like a Toutant or McMorris gets airtime. It does make a difference in the Australian and Japanese markets. Skaters fly to Montreal to train because of Virtue and Moir, and they fly to Calgary to train on the downhill track.

Ok, so what exactly is this great sponsorship deal? I didn't see any discussion of that. Well ,for those athletes and coaches who qualified for this year's Olympics, here is what they received under the Altitude Podium Program;
- E35 status
- Access to Iternational Maple Leaf lounges while competing abroad;
- Air Canada toiletry packs, earpods, blankets and pillows while on board;
- Air Canada marketing souvenirs

Don't you think that a large number of the athletes competing would have qualified for E35 status anyway if they are competing on the world cup circuit? Keep in mind that they have to travel to international competitions to earn their rankings. The Olympic organization had access to a preferred rate on some tickets. Air Canada also sponsored the public outdoor area, at the Canadian Olympic House, subject to naming and promotional rights.

I thank Air Canada for what it gives, but please do not carry on like Air Canada blew a wad on this or that Canada's athletes have received VIP treatment. Everything Touts has is because of his hard work, his sacrifice and his willingness to take risk. I respect him and he has an unblemished reputation as a generous and focused gentleman.