Burnaby-trained Kevin Reynolds, an Olympic silver medallist, has announced his retirement from competitive figure skating.
Reynolds, 28, burst onto the national figure skating scene when he won the Canadian novice title in 2002, the first of six national medals won by Reynolds. He was a member of the Canadian squad that came second at the team event at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.
After returning to competition from the hip surgery for the 2016-17 season, Reynolds said this season would be his last. He made that official with Wednesday’s announcement.
Among those he thanked were his coach at the Burnaby-based Champs International Skating Club of B.C., Skate Canada, and Canadian and Japanese fans for their support.
“I would like to give a special thank you to my long-time coach, Joanne McLeod, who has been with me on this incredible journey every step of the way,” said Reynolds, who also speaks Japanese and French.
Reynolds has represented Canada at the world championships six times, with his highest finish being fifth in 2013. He won his first senior gold medal on the international circuit that year at the ISU Four Continents Championships. He was known for his advanced jumping skills becoming the first skater to land two quadruple jumps in a short program in 2010. He was also the first to land five quads in competition when he won the Four Continents with two in the short program and three in the free program.
“Kevin has been an important part of our national team program for the last decade. We would like to thank him for his dedication to the sport and for his innovative style of skating combined with his technical skill that inspired so many around the world,” said Debra Armstrong, CEO, Skate Canada in the release.
Reynolds is expected to graduate from the University of B.C. in 2019 with a degree in international relations, with a minor in Japanese language and culture. He will become a full-time coach at the Champs skating centre at Burnaby’s 8-Rinks.
“I look forward to continuing my involvement with the sport of skating as I move on to the next phase of my life and pursue new career opportunities,” said Reynolds.
