Brittany Schussler
The time has come for me to announce my retirement from speed skating. As with any great love, deciding to part ways has not been an easy decision. After 21 years of riding the highest highs and enduring the lowest lows that come with sport, it is time for me to move on to some exciting new endeavours.
Competing with Canada written on my skinsuit has been the biggest honour I could ever ask for, and something that I have never taken for granted. I could not be more proud to be Canadian, and that was never more true than at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. The energy and support of the crowd that I felt in my first Olympic race, the 1000m, is perhaps my favorite moment of my entire career.
Although speed skating is an individual sport, all of my accomplishments have come with the help and support of a great number of people, organizations, and sponsors. It would be an impossible task to name them all, so I am not going to try. However, I want to note that the financial support of Sport Canada, Newalta, Crescent Point, Athletes CAN, Podium Alberta, and Boes Ltd. have enabled me to pursue my skating dreams as a full time career, something that I never dreamed would be possible.
There is one group of people that deserves far more credit than I could ever give them. My family has been the greatest support team that anyone could ever ask for. I have often wondered how much thought my parents put into registering their 7-year-old in a speed skating club. Did they know that it would lead to endless sacrifices on their behalf? Did they ever dream that those sacrifices would result in three Olympic teams?
My mom has always been my biggest fan, keeping track of my personal bests from the moment she was given a “pb book” before my very first race. She often knows results before I do. My dad has been my motivator, always insisting that I try harder, stay committed, and aim to win. My two brothers have encouraged me every step of the way, with Kyle acting as my sounding board, always there to lend an ear and some sage advice. Trent has been the ideal sidekick, always knowing exactly how to distract me whenever the nerves and stress became too overwhelming. And my husband, Justin, has endured every emotional up and down along with me while also pursing his own decorated speed skating career. I am proud to say that competing at the Olympics was a family accomplishment, shared equally between all of us. I could not have been more proud than the moment I was able to say to them, “We are all going to the Olympics.”
I have no doubt that my life will continue to be filled with many more great moments. Already, there are new adventures on the horizon that I look towards with great anticipation. Thank you to absolutely everyone who has supported me throughout this amazing journey. I trust that you all know who you are and how much you are appreciated. I am grateful and honoured to have been a part of such an incredible experience.