Chan's family is better off than the families of other elite skaters.
Michelle Kwan's father was a system analyst at the regional phone company and didn't make nearly enough money to support his two skating daughters; he had to quit his job, sell his house and move the family in with his parents while working at the family's Chinese restaurant.
Todd Eldredge's father was a fisherman; they didn't have the money to support Todd's skating. Todd's community pitched in to sponsor his figure skating career.
Peggy Fleming's family was very poor because her dad was an alcoholic who couldn't hold down a job. Her mother made all her costumes.
Scott Hamilton lost both parents at a young age and wouldn't have been able to continue with his skating if not for a generous sponsor.
Carol Heiss came from a blue-collar immigrant family. The NY Skating Club found sponsors so she and her sister Nancy could continue with their skating.
Poor Patrick Chan! His father is a lawyer who owns his own condonimium. Compared to these other skaters, Chan's family is well-off.
I think Amrican skaters get more funding than Canadian skaters because there are more rich sponsors in the US.