THE CANADIAN PRESS
Canadian skier Emily Brydon is sporting a big grin as she closes out her competitive career at this week’s Canadian Championships.
She’s quite content with her decision to retire and is going out the way she wanted.
Adding another national super-G title is a nice touch, too.
"That was just the best thing that I could have done for myself," Brydon said Thursday from Nakiska, Alta. "I went out on top. I had such a great time skiing there, I was inspired and happy and having fun.
"That’s my last memory and that’s great. That’s what it’s all about."
Brydon picked up the 10th national title of her career with her victory Wednesday at the Nakiska Ski Area, her first Canadian title in the discipline since 2005. Brydon will compete in the giant slalom and slalom events before walking away.
Brydon, who announced her retirement plans earlier this season, will leave the sport as one of Canada’s most successful female alpine racers with nine World Cup podium appearances.
She won a World Cup super-G in St. Moritz, Switzerland in 2008 and earlier this season made it to the World Cup podium on consecutive days at Lake Louise, Alta.
At the Vancouver Olympics, she was 15th in the super combined, 16th in the women’s downhill, and didn’t finish the super-G.
"I did my best, I utterly gave 100 per cent of myself," Brydon said of her season. "I can’t judge that — I have to be happy with that and I am."
The 29-year-old from Fernie, B.C., has been a national team member since 1997.
"I can’t believe that 13 years have passed," Brydon said during a ceremony celebrating her career Wednesday night. "Standing in the start the last couple days has been an interesting experience.
"Ski racing is not just about the results, it’s about the friendships that you make and relationships that you build. The people that have come into my life over the past 13 years have made it better and helped me achieve my goals.
"They will be forever a part of my life."
Teammate Genevieve Simard of Val-Morin, Que., who announced her retirement in January, was also honoured at the ceremony.
"It’s hard to imagine the Canadian alpine ski team without Emily Brydon and Gen Simard," Max Gartner, Alpine Canada’s chief athletics officer, said in a release. "These two athletes have been unbelievable representatives of the ski team for many years internationally.
"They have done it with class and leadership."
Brydon’s nine World Cup podiums leave her in a tie for third on the career list with Betsy Clifford among Canadian women.
Brydon said she’s going to relax for a few months before making a decision about future plans. She added the time is right to leave the sport.
"There’s not an ounce of doubt in my mind," Brydon said. "I gave 100 per cent of myself. I couldn’t do that again and I would hate to do anything that’s not 100 per cent or not to my potential.
"I feel really happy with how it’s coming to an end."