[Young Drachma]

Originally Posted by chrisj

Minor note - but Dale Begg-Smith never won gold for Canada, he did it for Australia in 06 as well.

He left Canada when he was 14. Not sure what happened - but he seems very bitter towards Canada. He has even refused to do any media interview.

At 13, he began dabbling in internet business and soon had two employees. At 14, he quit school and Canada's ski system, saying it was not flexible enough to allow for his other interests. At 16, he and four-years-older brother Jason decided to go to Australia, a move endorsed by his family.

Begg-Smith stood out of international skiing for two years to become eligible to represent Australia. He lived in South Melbourne, but skied and trained in the Snowys.

Meantime, his business grew until it was reported to be worth $40 million, with 100 employees and an office in New York. He was and remains vague about its nature. "It's complicated," he said. "We make the technology for companies to monitor their online advertising campaigns."

Golden boy of the slopes - Sport - theage.com.au