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There is something really special about watching an athlete shake hands with their sport and walk away. What I mean by ‘shaking hands’ is that civilized way that we all share when we get ready to say goodbye.
As I was watching the CBC broadcast of the ISU Four Continents Championships from Taipei, I heard David Pelletier say (I think) that this might be one of the final competitions in Kevin Reynold’s distinguished career. As he finished his brilliant free program and they cut to his long-time coach Joanne McLeod, she was wiping tears from her eyes. I have to admit, I did the same.
It doesn’t always happen this way. How many times have we seen skaters struggle only to fade into the woodwork never being able to have the skate they were looking for. How satisfying to be able to know that the end of an era is upon you, and be able to say, “I’m good.”
Kevin has been a great ambassador for skating. Aside from being the first skater to land two quads in a short program (Skate Canada International 2010), he earned the Four Continents title in 2013 and an Olympic silver medal in the team event in 2014 in Sochi.
Kevin has always been a thoughtful and generous interview subject and I appreciate his sense of humour and courtesy. He is a great example of what good sportsmanship and perseverance looks like, and I am thrilled that after all of the injuries and boot problem struggles that Kevin had this moment.
Congratulations to anyone who is able to gracefully finish whatever they are doing in the way they are hoping.
For me, I am hoping to gracefully finish packing for my next big adventure (It’s not looking good).
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