Watch video of Ashleigh McIvor talking about her decision to retire at: http://youtu.be/Ur_tR905h88
VANCOUVER, B.C. (Nov. 16, 2012) – Ashleigh McIvor, the first female Olympic gold medallist in the sport of ski cross, announced her retirement from competitive ski racing on Friday.
The 29-year-old from Whistler, B.C., realized her dream of winning the women’s ski cross event at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games and has decided to go out on top – as the reigning Olympic champion.
A world champion, X Games silver medalist and World Cup winner, McIvor suffered a serious knee injury in 2011 but made a successful return to snow earlier this year.
“This has been the most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make in my life,” said McIvor, who recently announced her engagement to Vancouver Whitecaps soccer star Jay DeMerit. “It means the world to me to have had success in the Olympic debut of our sport, at home. I couldn’t have dreamed it up better myself!
“I’ve gone back and forth in my mind, wondering if I’m making the right decision to retire. But I’ve already done more in the sport than I ever imagined would be possible. And there’s something to be said for going out on top – as the reigning Olympic champion.
Read full Alpine Canada article HERE