Canadian speed skater selling Olympic merch on Facebook to help fund 2026 journey
Unlike many star athletes, most Olympians are not multimillionaires. Many of them often have to find creative ways to fund their own journeys to the Olympics.
But, selling Olympic merch on Facebook Marketplace to fund the journey? That might be a first.
Ted-Jan Bloemen is set to attend his third Olympic Games for Canada next month. And, the 39-year-old father of two has listed some of his 2022 Olympic merch for sale on Facebook Marketplace to help fund the journey.
Bloemen has listed both his 2022 Opening Ceremony and Closing Ceremony kits on Facebook Marketplace.
“Support my journey to the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics by buying this Lululemon kit from the previous Winter Olympics,” he wrote in the Facebook ad.
“The items are medium-sized and the boots size 10US. I’ve only used them a few times since the ‘22 Games.”
Bloemen also listed all of the items for sale separately. Or, you can buy the whole kit for $900.
The Olympic medalist did the same for his closing ceremonies kit as well.
That kit comes at a discount compared to the opening ceremonies outfit and is listed at $800.
Not a bad deal for Lululemon apparel.
Bloemen is a Dutch Canadian who previously competed for the Netherlands internationally. He joined the Canadian speed skating team in the summer of 2014 and participated in his first Olympic Games back in 2018, where he won gold in the 10,000-metre event. He also took home silver in the 5,000-metre race. During the 2022 Olympics, Bloemen didn’t finish on the podium but did place in the top 10 in both events.
Bloemen confirmed on Instagram that he’ll be competing in the 5,000-metre race on Feb. 8, along with the 10,000-metre event on Feb. 13. Both races will take place at the Milan Speed Skating Stadium.