Marie-Michèle Gagnon announced today that she will be retiring from competition at the end of the 2022-2023 Alpine Skiing World Cup season.
The Lac-Etchemin skier will bow out with more than 270 World Cup starts, the most starts ever by a Canadian runner, and five World Cup podiums — including two victories — during his brilliant career.
Gagnon will continue to compete in super-G events for the remainder of the World Cup season.
His first start in the World Cup dates back to December 13, 2008 in the giant slalom in La Molina, Spain. In her more than 14-year World Cup career, Gagnon has amassed 63 top-10 results, podium finishes in four different disciplines, and top podium finish in a super combined in 2014 and an alpine combined in 2016.
“I am extremely grateful to this extraordinary sport and the people who revolve around it,” Gagnon said in a press release sent a few minutes before his participation in a videoconference on Friday morning.
“I’m very proud to have raced for Canada around the world and to be on the podium representing Canada. I’ve raced at some of the most beautiful resorts in the world, met wonderful people and made lifelong friends, including my fiancé Travis Ganong. It has been an extraordinarily rewarding adventure and I am just as excited for the next chapter of my life. »
“My greatest thanks go to my parents, who fully deserve them. Without their support and sacrifices, this dream career would not have been possible. I am very grateful that we were able to share this wonderful dream together. »
In addition to her 270+ World Cup starts, the skier has 23 starts at the FIS Alpine Skiing World Championships, more than any other Canadian racer.
She represented Canada at three Olympic Winter Games: Vancouver 2010, Sochi 2014 and Beijing 2022. Her eight Olympic starts in alpine skiing tied for the most starts ever by a Canadian female skier.
“I know that all Canadians join me in celebrating Marie-Michèle’s remarkable career in ski racing, which includes World Cup podiums in technical and speed events over two decades,” said Therese Brisson, President and CEO of Alpine Canada.
“His longevity is a testament to his passion and dedication to the sport. She is a long-time leader and a seasoned ambassador who leaves a legacy by inspiring the next generation in ski racing. I can’t wait to see what happens next for her and I know she will continue to play a special role in ski racing in Canada. »