Two Canadian icons are officially hanging up their skates. Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir announced this Tuesday that they would be “stepping away” from ice dancing. The pair revealed their plans to retire in a video message posted to both of their Twitter accounts on Sept. 17. In the video, the couple is seen skating around a rink as Moir holds a cellphone camera. The pair graciously thanked their fans for supporting them while trying to keep themselves from getting overly emotional during the announcement. "After 22 years, it feels like the right time to step away from the sport," Virtue says. "This is so personal and emotional for both of us. We’re just so grateful. How lucky are we really that we got to share all of this together and with all of you?" Thank you ❤️ #VirtueMoir #XXII pic.twitter.com/poZEnEljAp— Tessa Virtue (@tessavirtue) September 18, 2019 Virtue and Moir, who are both now in their early 30s, have been ice dancing partners for over two decades. "Twenty-two years and it’s been — I can’t put that into words," Moir gushed in the video. "I’m not going to be emotional; this is my first selfie video ever, and I’m not going to cry in it." And the two weren't the only ones getting emotional: Does this mean no more skating together at all?? I’m in tears, literal tears! I’d post a pic but no one wants to see that! Thank you both so much for all of your hard work, sacrifice and everything you have stood for! I can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings for you! pic.twitter.com/9qaydWsXwA— Nat 🐯🇦🇺 (@Natsky1988) September 18, 2019 Bittersweet to finally hear your retirement announcement @tessavirtue... but soooooo so exited to see what's ahead for you. All our love... ♥️♥️♥️Thank you for all your kindness!— Ann ❄️ Ice (@icetalking) September 18, 2019 we all knew this was coming, but man, does it hit hard. we love you both to the moon and back and what you have done for your sport and as people is astounding to say the least. can’t wait to see what you go on to do. love you both ❤️— Lindsay (@virtueemoir29) September 18, 2019 I will never forget watching you winning in Vancouver. I will never forget watching you winning again in Pyc. Thanks to you I met some of my best friends. Thank you for this journey, now if you need me I'll be crying in a corner for some time.— M&M (@MVMNerd) September 18, 2019 I’m so excited to see you both at @rocktherinktour but I’m not ready to say goodbye to you skating 😭❤️😭— Sam (@tessafan273) September 18, 2019 Oh Tessa. I am so emotional, I can't even imagine how you two must be feeling. What a special career. We are so proud of you. ❤❤❤— Alana 🌻 (@alana_rochelle) September 18, 2019 @ScottMoir Crying my eyes out. Love you so much, forever 🇨🇦❤️⛸❤️🇨🇦— Marie-Pierre (@MsVirtueMoir) September 18, 2019 why are y'all responsible for my tears at 11:28PM— 🕊 (@tessatirtuee) September 18, 2019 I am not emotionally prepared. 😭 We know it was coming but gawd it still hurts. This is bittersweet! Can’t wait to see what’s next for you. Remember, we are always here for you. THANK YOU GUYS FOR MAKING US PROUD. ❤️💖— 𝓖𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓲𝓮🐼♕ (@ilovetessajane) September 18, 2019 @ScottMoir I’m gonna miss you guys so much 😭😭😭 but I know it’s not the “end”. and we will see you on tour and you’ll make us smile and make special memories for us. The two of you will forever be in my heart and the hearts of people around the world. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING.— kianna (@rallycrys) September 18, 2019 The iconic duo first became household names in Canada after they won Olympic gold during the 2010 Vancouver games. According to Sportsnet, Moir and Virtue gained even more attention during their final Olympic appearance in 2018, with fans praising their on-ice chemistry. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Scott Moir (@scottmoir14) on Sep 17, 2019 at 8:28pm PDT Despite the sad news, Virtue maintained a positive outlook saying that Canadian ice dancing is only going to get better. "We’re in such good hands in Canada," the veteran of the sport said. "The next generation of skaters is going to blaze new trails; break all of our records, and we can’t wait to cheer them on." It was revealed this week that the Olympic skaters will each be receiving an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Western University in Ontario on October 23. The university stated that the ceremony was to celebrate "distinguished individuals" in international sports. The duo will receive the honour during Western University's fall convocation ceremony.
