A former Canadian figure skating champion is calling it a career.
Prescott’s own Alaine Chartrand has announced her retirement from competitive skating at the age of 25.
The two-time national champion had been pushing strongly for a return to the ice over the past two seasons, but with the pandemic, along with creating a training plan, and finding enough ice time to train, she says making things work with her other commitments became impossible.
Following conversations with her coaches and support team, Chartrand feels confident that this is the right decision.
“Travelling all over the world, competing at World Championships has been incredible,” Chartrand said. “Representing Canada on the world stage for eight years has been the most rewarding experience. And will miss travelling; I can’t wait to do it again post-pandemic.”
During her career, Chartrand racked up multiple accolades, including five national medals, and claiming the title of Canada’s best figure skater in 2016 and 2019.
She also competed on the ISU Grand Prix Circuit ten times, including three world championships, and six ISU Four Continents Skating Championships, finishing in the top ten three times.
In 2014, she earned the bronze medal at the Rostelecom Cup.
Chartrand says looking back, her only regret is not having been able to compete in the Olympics.
“Just the timing for that just wasn’t quite right for me but I did lots of great things in my career,” Chartrand said. “I think it’s just time I moved on. Now, I am coaching, and I’m really enjoying that.”
Chartrand says she’s grateful for the immense support she received from coaches, family, friends, and the entire Skate Canada organization.
She hopes her small-town upbringing will be an inspiration to other young girls to follow their dreams.
“On my signatures, I always write ‘dream big’ beside it because if you dream big, you can achieve it if you work hard,” Chartrand said. “It’s definitely possible to achieve anything you want as long as you commit to it, and have the right people around you to support you.”
Aside from coaching, Chartrand is currently pursuing her Kinesiology degree at the University of British Columbia.
