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OTTAWA, ON: Former junior national champion Joseph Phan, 20, Laval, Que., has decided to retire from competitive skating. Phan won two Canadian championships, novice in 2014 and junior in 2016. Phan competed on the senior circuit beginning in 2017 and most recently place fourth at the 2022 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships just missing the podium by less than a point.
“It has been the greatest honour to represent Canada over the years and those years have been extremely memorable. There has been so many ups and downs throughout my career, and I’ve been able to overcome them with my constant drive and determination but also with the help of so many people in my entourage,” said Phan. “I want to thank Skate Canada and Patinage Quebec for their outstanding support, all my coaches from age five to 20, who helped me develop not only as an athlete but also as a person. The biggest thank you to my parents who gave me everything I could possibly have. Through figure skating I have learned countless lessons and met amazing people that I will forever cherish.”
Internationally Joseph garnered a silver (2017) and bronze (2018) medal on the ISU Junior Grand Prix circuit as well as a fourth-place finish in the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships. Phan’s last competition of his career was the 2022 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships where he fought hard and finished in ninth place.
“Joseph is such an expressive and passionate skater when he is on the ice and that was showcased in his many competitive successes” said Mike Slipchuk, High Performance Director, Skate Canada. “Skate Canada is proud in the way Joseph represented his country and are excited to see what his future holds.”
In the future Phan looks forward to staying in skating whether that be in coaching or participating in shows.
Oh, I'm sad about this! I love his skating! However, it takes maturity on his part to know it's the right time to retire.
"At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more, When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death, And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again.” (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis)
