- Charles Hamelin appears on the Sports Inc. podcast.
- One of the greatest Olympic athletes of all time.
- Money earned through sponsorships.
- A special gift from Red Bull.
- The reality of athletes.
Charles Hamelin recently appeared on the Sports Inc. podcast, hosted by Sasha Ghavami and Geneviève Tardif, where he spoke candidly about the behind-the-scenes aspects of his career.
The former speed skater, recognized as one of Canada’s most decorated athletes, took the opportunity to address several little-known aspects of elite sports.
With transparency, he discussed the financial reality of athletes, revealing that sponsorship income can vary considerably depending on the sport’s visibility and performance.
Beyond medals and podiums, Charles Hamelin also shared the challenges he has faced over the years, whether it be constant pressure, personal sacrifices, or financial uncertainty. His account sheds light on a reality that is often idealized, reminding us that even the greatest champions must deal with very real issues outside of competition.
When asked about the annual amount a sponsor might pay him, Charles Hamelin didn’t hesitate to answer honestly.
“Without naming any sponsors, let’s say, what was the average value of a sponsorship you had per year? A typical sponsor in your prime,” asks Sasha.
Sponsorship money
“I’d say about $50,000 a year,” says Charles.
“Now, looking back, do you think the value of the marketing exposure you provided was worth more, the same, or less than $50,000?” Sasha continued.
“I’d say it was fair. In the sense that I’d even say I was probably giving back less than what they were giving me. Our season is so long in short track, we travel so much, that we try to focus and condense as much as possible the moments where I gave back to sponsors and partners, for the money they gave us. Sometimes I was like: Russell, are you serious? I just have to do this, and that’s it? (…) I was like: Yeah, okay, let’s go! I’ll do it, I’ll do it,” Charles replies.
A priceless gift from Red Bull
Having been sponsored by Red Bull throughout his career, Charles Hamelin also shared a memorable anecdote about a very special gift he received from the brand.
Following a gold medal win in competition, the company reportedly gave him a symbolic gift to mark his achievement.
“Last relay race, you got your gold medal. What did Red Bull give you for your gold medal? You didn’t go on a private jet…,” Geneviève asks her husband.
“I got an email after the Games. Basically, since the Tokyo Games were postponed by a year because of COVID—2020 became 2021, so 2021 became 2022. So they took all the gold medalists—Red Bull athletes, summer and winter—and we all went to watch the Grand Prix in Monaco together,” explains Charles.
A Reality Often Misunderstood
In short, Charles Hamelin’s appearance on the Sports Inc. podcast shed light on an often misunderstood reality of elite sports. Behind the impressive performances and medals lies a journey marked by sacrifices, uncertainties, and very real financial challenges.
His candid remarks about sponsors, income, and relationships with brands—such as his experience with Red Bull—illustrate just how much an athlete’s career extends beyond their achievements on the ice. They also highlight the importance of partnerships, both financially and on a human level.
Ultimately, this candid account helps humanize the journey of elite athletes and provides a better understanding of the behind-the-scenes reality of their lives, which is often very different from the glamorous image we may have of them.