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Tuesday, 11 October 2005 |
Ski champion Melanie Turgeon forced to retire at 28On the ski slopes of Quebec, former world champion Melanie Turgeon fearlessly skied ignoring shin splints, concussion, a blown knee, a broken wrist, damaged shoulder and very many back problems, including two slipped discs.
But it was the prospect of retirement that really scared her more than all her injuries and pain. But now Melanie Turgeon, at only 28, has tearfully announced her retirement before her family and friends in Quebec City near the very hill where she started skiing as a toddler all those years ago.
A leader on Canada's national women's ski team, Melanie Turgeon knew that the end was near in August whilst doing training runs on the soft snow of the Chilean Andes. Her back would no longer support her on high-speed runs even though she had endured two gruelling years of rehabilitation.
Breaking into tears, Melanie Turgeon said, "It took all my courage to realize that I was no longer able to get to the level I was at before. For me, finishing 20th really doesn't interest me."
But Melanie Turgeon also felt liberated when she finally decided to retire after two years of painful rehab and training.
"I really think I did everything I could," Melanie Turgeon added.
Melanie Turgeon plans taking a long break before working with former sponsors on projects to promote skiing and a new line of clothing.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 11 October 2005 )
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