Canadian speedskater Ted-Jan Bloemen won an Olympic gold medal on Thursday in PyeongChang with an Olympic-record performance in the 10,000 meters. He also skated to a silver medal in the 5,000 meters, becoming the first Canadian long track speedskater to win an Olympic medal since 1932.
These aren’t the only things that make him special. Bloemen has a partnership ONG Social and CEEK VR, and it includes an interesting wrinkle. He is being compensated with cryptocurrency.
I’m very excited to be the first ever #Crypto Sponsored Athlete. Thanks @CEEK #VirtualReality and @Ong_Social for being at the forefront of technology and this great achievement. Looking forward to a great relationship and the exciting times ahead. pic.twitter.com/mCHbNzkKW8
— Ted-Jan Bloemen (@TedJan) January 31, 2018
Cryptocurrency is completely digital and uses cryptography to secure and verify transactions. Bloemen will be receiving it in exchange for the sharing of his Winter Olympics experience. CEEK VR will be featuring a 360 virtual reality experience all about his preparation.
“Speed skating success is all about progression – building and building to peak at the right time,” Bloemen said in a statement. “I’m excited to step into the future with ONG and CEEK. Their progressive approach to social media and VR paired with crypto currencies bring a whole new perspective. A perspective that, I believe, has a lot of potential! I feel like I just got two new teammates to help put me over the top, at the most important point in the season.”
The amount that Bloemen will be compensated is unknown, but he has used it to achieve his speed skating goals.
“He is a classic example that, with hard work and determination, you can achieve your dreams,” ONG’s CEO, Christopher J. Kramer, said in a statement. “ONG is pleased to be able to highlight Ted-Jan’s athletic journey on social media and award a dedicated athlete with a new form of digital gold through the ONG cryptocurrency sponsorship.”