Hometown: Ottawa
Twitter: @pchiddy

Patrick Chan knows all about Olympic pressure. The three-time world champion definitely felt it during the Vancouver Games, when the whole country was desperate to see him win at home.

Sochi, however, will be a different story. "I have grown since Vancouver and learned how to manage those expectations and pressures," says the Ottawa-born skater who now trains in Detroit. He admits he's getting a little nervous as the Olympics approach, but he's trying to take things one step at a time.

"This year I am staying relaxed. My coach, Kathy [Johnson], helps me make sure I have time for myself and that I enjoy things outside of the rink. It's good to have your friends around—people who support you, make you laugh and make you forget about skating once in a while."

Fortunately, Chan can also count on the support of his fans, who will be holding their collective breath as he performs his quad-toe-loop-triple-toe-loop combination during his free skate. "The fans are awesome," says Chan. "It is so motivating to see them cheering you on, waving the Canadian flag and being there for you. In Canada, we are so lucky to have a strong fan base. When I compete internationally and I spot the Canadian flag in the audience, I know I'm not alone."

Check out more profiles of our Team Canada athletes.  
                               

This story was originally titled "The World Champ" in the February 2014 issue.             Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!