When Olympic Silver Medal-winner Ben Agosto, an ice dancer, recently phoned the Highland Fling Scottish store at Olde World Canterbury Village, owner Gordon Hyslop had no idea who he was talking to.
Hyslop later learned that the man he had spoken to was Agosto, a Canton resident, when Agosto’s mother phoned the store in Orion Township.
Agosto was searching for a kilt to use in the John Hancock’s Champions on Ice show, in which he’s currently performing with ice dancing partner Tanith Belbin.
The pair won the Silver Medal for ice dancing during the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy.
John Hancock’s Champions on Ice was presented at Joe Louis Arena on May 7. Agosto portrays Sean Connery during one segment of the show, and needed an authentic kilt as part of his costume.
‘Ben called me, but he didn’t tell me who he was,? said Hyslop. ‘Kilts are custom-made, and it usually takes about two months to get one delivered…he said he needed it for an event, and gave his first name only.?
Agosto’s mother called and told Hyslop who Ben was, and the Agostos visited Highland Fling on April 2.
‘He came in with his parents and girlfriend, and found a kilt and a jacket that he could wear,? Hyslop said. ‘We said he could use them, he’ll be wearing them for 60 shows.?
Although the kilt and jacket are technically ‘on loan? to Agosto, Hyslop said he isn’t really expecting to get them back.
‘They’ll take a lot of wear and tear,? he said. ‘We told him not to worry about it.?
Hyslop said it was his first time meeting an Olympic athlete. Ford Motor Company once contacted the store about renting kilts for a formal event involving race car driver Jackie Stewart, but Hyslop said Stewart never visited the store.
‘We had a nice visit, they are very pleasant people,? he said of the Agostos. ‘He said they were just getting ready to head to Florida to start the tour.
‘You can’t just buy a kilt off the rack, they’re all custom,? Hyslop noted. ‘And they run about $550.?
Hyslop said Agosto told him he’d show him the Silver Medal the next time he came into the store.
‘They were very appreciative,? he said. ‘I think he was delighted that he found a proper kilt, and not one from a costume shop. And I was delighted to be able to help out.?
John Hancock’s Champions on Ice wraps up in Las Vegas, Nevada in August. Highland Fling is located at Canterbury Village, 2356 Joslyn Court.
They can be reached by phone at 391-5819, or 1-800-762-SCOT, or online at www.highlandflingltd.com, and at www.kiltrentals.com.