The Current The rising cost of being a Canadian Olympian
Jan 7, 2026
Joined by Hayden Mayer, a national speed skater and world champion medallist who juggles a mobile café business to fund his training, and David Shoemaker, CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee, they tackle the tough financial realities faced by Canadian athletes. Hayden shares stories of working part-time and the struggle to cover basic living costs while training. David discusses the dire need for increased funding compared to better-supported international teams and warns of the long-term impacts on grassroots sports and future Olympians.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Trinity's Funding Hustle
- Trinity Ellis juggled grants, team fees and odd jobs like restaurant shifts and berry picking to stay in luge.
- She says funding gaps force athletes to
Hayden's Part-Time Grind
- Hayden Mayer described receiving about $2,275 a month plus a small medal bonus while being carded at the senior level.
- He balanced Zamboni shifts and condensed training, which harmed recovery and performance.
Mobile Café Became Athlete Income
- After losing his Oval job during COVID, Hayden launched Hayloff Cafe in a vintage car to fund his sport career.
- He later made it athlete-owned and now employs Team Canada athletes as baristas.