Figure skater Jeffrey Buttle retires
edmontonjournal.com
Published: Wednesday, September 10, 2008Canadian Jeffrey Buttle, reigning world champion, has retired from competitive figure skating.
He announced his retirement at a media conference Wednesday in Toronto.
Buttle said he was ready to retire after the world championship in Sweden, but gave himself the spring and summer to train his new programs and still live with his decision.
"I had to make sure I was satisfied and proud of everything I had done."
That includes, of course, winning the world title and being able to go out on top.
"It's an honour. It's huge. Not many can accomplish what I did. For me it was obviously something that sparked this decision."
The only factor he wrestled with the whole time was the fact the 2010 Olympics are being held in Vancouver. Ultimately, he decided he would be continuing on for the wrong reason if he didn't have the competitive fire any longer.
"That is what really made the decision so difficult for me. The city the Olympics are in shouldn't be the motivating factor for me. I have to feel it inside."
Buttle said he plans to perform in ice shows and there is a good chance he will maintain a working relationship with Skate Canada.
"I can still celebrate the Olympics here in Vancouver. It'll be in a different role. That's why I will stay involved."