Canadian Jeffrey Buttle announces his retirement from figure skating
TORONTO — Canadian figure skater Jeffrey Buttle is going out on top.
The 26-year-old native of Smooth Rock Falls, Ont., announced his retirement from competitive figure skating at a news conference Wednesday.
The world champion said he's satisfied with everything he's accomplished in his career, adding it was a tough decision with the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver right around the corner.
"That was definitely the battle that was going on in my mind," Buttle said. "I had to decide was that something that I really wanted. After the world championship, I was so happy with winning that I had to reflect on how important that was to me and having the Olympics here in Vancouver is important to me but winning them wasn't.
"It just wasn't in my heart."
Buttle won gold earlier this year at the world figure skating championship in Sweden. He was the first Canadian to win the men's world title since Elvis Stojko did so in 1997.
Buttle won bronze at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy and is a three-time national champion.
"Representing Canada around the world has been an honour and I'm very proud of my achievements as a competitive figure skater," Buttle said. "I've had so much support throughout my career - I'll be forever grateful to my fans, coaches and of course, my family."
Buttle, a chemical engineering student at the University of Toronto, said he plans to continue his studies and participate in some professional figure skating shows.
"Jeff has been a leader and ambassador for our sport and country over the years," said Skate Canada CEO William Thompson. "He has embraced his role as a Canadian champion, world champion and Olympian by being a role model for young skaters in Canada and will continue to be involved and support Skate Canada.
"We will miss his wonderful blend of artistry and athleticism and wish him nothing but the best in the future."
Buttle won gold at the ISU Four Continents Championships in 2002 and 2004. He added silver medals at the ISU Grand Prix Finals in 2004 and 2005.
Buttle also won gold three times on the Grand Prix circuit, finishing first at the 2003 NHK Trophy in Japan, the Cup of China in 2004 and the 2005 Trophee Eric Bompard.