Canadian Olympic Medalist Curtis Myden Retires

CALGARY, November 26. CURTIS Myden, one of Canada’s most decorated swimmers, announced his retirement today following 12 successful years as a national team member. Joined by old teammates, coaches and friends, the Calgarian-born Myden ended an important chapter in his life with three Olympic medals, 68 international medals and 30 national titles and sights on a new career in the medical field.

"Being a swimmer on the National Team has provided me with experiences and opportunities I'll carry with me for the rest of my life," stated Curtis. "During my career I've had the honor of being a member of a great team where my coaches and teammates have all played an important role in preparing me for competition and my future away from the pool. A number of new challenges await me and my experience as a swimmer, most importantly the discipline and camaraderie, has well prepared me for what lays ahead."

A member of the national team since 1990, Curtis also collected four consecutive All-Canadian titles and the Howard Mackie Award, the CSI Male Athlete of the Year for the 1996-97 season.

Amongst his peers and competitors, he is known as the quiet champion, intense and reserved. Many will remember the 1994, Commonwealth Games incident in Victoria, British Columbia, when exhausted, following his second place finish in the 400m Individual Medley race, he passed out on the podium.

"Curtis’s work ethics and professionalism have always reflected positively on the team”, stated Dave Johnson, Head Coach of Swimming Canada. “During his 12 years on the squad, he served as a mentor to many new members and acted as a strong-quiet leader for the team. On behalf of his past and present teammates, I extend our best wishes and thank him for all the great moments he’s given us.”

Following his announcement, Swimming Canada launched a new Circle of Excellence Program to recognize the greatest Canadian swimmers of all time for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the sport of swimming, Curtis Myden joined Victor Davis (1964-1989) as the first inductees.

“The Circle of Excellence provides Swimming Canada with the opportunity to recognize our swimming heroes of the past”, says Karen Spierkel, CEO of Swimming Canada. “We have very strong alumni of swimming champions who, as mentors, will certainly inspire our current and future national team members. We are delighted to recognize Curtis in the Circle of Excellence and wish him great successes in his future endeavors.”

Curtis will be recognized amongst his peers during a special ceremony to be held on Friday, November 29th, 2002 during the Opening Ceremonies of the Canadian Open Championships at the Edmonton Kinsmen Centre in Edmonton.

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