World champ Buttle retires from competitive figure skating
Canwest News Service
Published: Wednesday, September 10, 2008Jeffrey Buttle - the 2006 Olympic bronze medallist and the 2008 world champion - has announced his retirement from competitive figure skating.
Buttle, 26, of Smooth Rock Falls, Ont., is the first Canadian men's world champion in 11 years, and began competing on the international stage in 1997.
"Skate Canada has provided me with so many opportunities and unforgettable memories, and skating will always be a part of my life," said Jeffrey Buttle. "Representing Canada around the world has been an honour and I'm very proud of my achievements as a competitive figure skater. I've had so much support throughout my career - I'll be forever grateful to my fans, coaches and of course, my family."
In 1998, Buttle won the silver medal in the junior men's discipline at the BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships and in 2005 he would capture his first of three senior men's Canadian champion titles.
Buttle continued that success on the international stage.
In 2002 and 2004, he captured gold at the ISU Four Continents Championships. Buttle was a regular on the ISU Grand Prix circuit, placing second at the ISU Grand Prix Final in 2004 and 2005. During his career on the Grand Prix circuit Buttle earned gold three times, first at the 2003 NHK Trophy in Japan, followed by the Cup of China in 2004 and the 2005 Trophee Eric Bompard.
In 2006, Buttle attended his first Olympic Games in Turin, Italy, where he won the bronze medal for Canada.
In 2008, he captured gold at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden.
"Jeff has been a leader and ambassador for our sport and country over the years," said William Thompson, Skate Canada CEO. "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."
"When Jeff skated two flawless performances to become the 2008 World Champion, it could not have happened to a better person," said Mike Slipchuk, Skate Canada Director of High Performance. "To become Canadian champion, world champion, and Olympic bronze medallist is a testament to the hard work and dedication he put into his competitive career.
We look forward to Jeff continuing to be a part of the Skate Canada family in the years ahead."
Buttle will retire as a three-time Canadian champion, Olympic bronze medallist and the reigning world champion.