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 https://t.co/poZEnEljAp— Tessa Virtue (@Tessa Virtue)1568777097.0
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:
@tessavirtue Does this mean no more skating together at all?? I’m in tears, literal tears! I’d post a pic but no on… https://t.co/c7zwuQ3vGW— Nat 🐯 (@Nat 🐯)1568777328.0
@tessavirtue Bittersweet to finally hear your retirement announcement @tessavirtue... but soooooo so exited to see… https://t.co/Ru3ABtKVjj— Ann ❄️ Ice (@Ann ❄️ Ice)1568777427.0
@tessavirtue we all knew this was coming, but man, does it hit hard. we love you both to the moon and back and what… https://t.co/XQ9sTXErjN— lindsay 🙈 (@lindsay 🙈)1568777359.0
@tessavirtue I will never forget watching you winning in Vancouver. I will never forget watching you winning again… https://t.co/MnsQ05cAF6— Maulière (@Maulière)1568778077.0
@tessavirtue Oh Tessa. I am so emotional, I can't even imagine how you two must be feeling. What a special career.… https://t.co/xOcvllFYte— alana 🦦 (@alana 🦦)1568777251.0
@tessavirtue why are y'all responsible for my tears at 11:28PM— 🕊 (@🕊)1568777286.0
@tessavirtue I am not emotionally prepared. 😭 We know it was coming but gawd it still hurts. This is bittersweet! C… https://t.co/8Ul0WF5z5T— 𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘦♕ (@𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘦♕)1568778265.0
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.
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.