Canadian Simon Whitfield retires after golden triathlon career

Simon Whitfield will always be known for his gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, the silver medal he won at the 2008 Beijing Games, and being honored as Canada’s flag bearer at the 2012 London Games, but at 38 years old, it’s time for a new chapter in his life.

He officially retired from competitive triathlons Wednesday morning and says he’s pursuing a new career as a consultant in sports entertainment with Fantam Group. He will reportedly head the company’s sports entertainment division in Victoria.

“It is time to shift gears. I have spent years with athletes of all ages — sharing — motivating — challenging,” Whitfield said in a statement on his website. “As part of the Fantan team, I have the ideal partnership to put much of what I’ve learned as a competitive athlete toward design and innovation in sports entertainment.”

Whitfield hoped to get back to the podium in London, but fell on the bike portion of the triathlon and broke his collarbone. After recovering from his injury, he began training again but said today he had lost his competitive fire.

“Today marks the end of my career as a professional athlete; it’s been an incredible journey and an amazing chapter in my life,” Whitfield said in a press release. “I grew up dreaming of representing Canada at the Olympic Games, though I never imagined I would have the honour of wearing the maple leaf four times, winning two Olympic medals, and bearing the flag [at the 2012 Olympics in London].”

Whitfield had 14 World Cup wins and finished among the top 10 at the World Championships eight times.

“I grew up with triathlon. I was first introduced to the sport when competing in the Kids of Steel races organized by Joan and Rudy Hollywood in 1986.  Triathlon provided wonderful memories, friendships and experiences that I will hold close forever.”