Media release on behalf of Alpine Canada Alpin:
AFTER 17 YEARS WILLIAMSON, ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST DECORATED PARA-ALPINE ATHLETES ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
CALGARY, AB, April 10, 2015 /CNW/ - Chris Williamson, one of the world's most decorated para-alpine athletes, has announced his retirement from competitive ski racing, ending his 17-year career.
Williamson, of Toronto, ON announced his retirement at the Sport Chek Canadian Nationals Championships in Mont Ste. Anne Quebec on Mar 27, 2015.
Most recently Williamson won a bronze medal in slalom at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games in the visually-impaired category, with guide Nick Brush, having fought back from injuries sustained in 2012 and 2013.
Williamson competed in the visually-impaired category for 17 seasons, which makes him the longest standing member of the Canadian Para Alpine team, as well as the most decorated competitor earning gold, silver and two bronze medals at the Paralympic Games, 13 IPC Alpine Skiing World Championships medals, eight IPC Crystal Globes (14 disciplines titles) and 105 IPC World Cup podiums, 56 of which were victories.
Read more: http://www.alpinecanada.org/node/11266
THREE-TIME PARALYMPIAN MATT HALLAT ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT
Three-time Paralympian Matt Hallat, 13-year member of the Canadian Para Alpine team, has announced his retirement from competitive ski racing.
At the young age of five, Hallat, of Vancouver, BC had his leg amputated due to Ewing's sarcoma. Hallat began ski racing shortly after that, but it was during a fun race at nine years old that his passion and love for the sport was confirmed. One of his out-riggers got stuck in the start gate and the only conclusion he could draw at the time was sabotage. Hallat laughs now but states, "I was mad which I believe shows my competitiveness which has translated throughout the rest of my career."
Hallat has been with the Canadian Para Alpine Ski Team for 13 years, participating in three Paralympic games, a two-time IPC World Cup podium finisher and most recently the slalom bronze medallist at the 2015 IPC Alpine Skiing World Championships.
Hallat's last run as a competitive ski racer was Slalom at the Sport Chek Canadian Nationals Championships at Mont Ste. Anne, QC last month, where he finished third
Read more: http://www.alpinecanada.org/node/11269
ABOUT ALPINE CANADA ALPIN
Alpine Canada Alpin is the national governing body for alpine, para-alpine and ski cross racing in Canada. With the support of valued corporate partners and donor's along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium and the Canadian Olympic Committee, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, world championship and World Cup medalists to stimulate visibility, inspiration and growth in the ski community. To learn more, please visit alpinecanada.org.
SOURCE Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC)
Image with caption: "Chris Williamson, one of the world's most decorated para-alpine athletes, has announced his retirement from competitive ski racing, ending his 17-year career. (CNW Group/Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150410_C7940_PHOTO_EN_14166.jpg
Image with caption: "Three-time Paralympian Matt Hallat, 13-year member of the Canadian Para Alpine team, has announced his retirement from competitive ski racing. (CNW Group/Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150410_C7940_PHOTO_EN_14167.jpg
Brianne Fodor, Director, Marketing & Communications, Alpine Canada Alpin, C 403-826-6393
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