Canadian Paralympic gold medalist Adam Purdy has gone back into retirement after returning just two years ago to be able to swim at the 2015 Para Pan Am Games in front of a Canadian crowd in Toronto.
Purdy had originally retired following a successful Paralympic career that included a pair of gold medals at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics. A full 15 years later, he showed he still was among the top Paralympic athletes in the world by claiming two silvers and two bronzes at the 2015 Toronto Para Pan Am Games.
Purdy announced the news that he was going back into retirement on social media yesterday.
For the past 2 years I had dedicated myself to the commitment of a goal – that being to represent Canada at the 2015 Para Pan Am Games and to swim within 1% of my lifetime personal bests. Having accomplished and exceeded this goal in Toronto – supported by the cheer of family and friends in the crowd – I have now determined that this high note in my career (which will continue to resonate for some time) has set the perfect tone to announce my retirement from competitive swimming.
Since my return to the competitive Para-swimming scene in 2014, I have been extremely fortunate to be able to once again express a talent and passion for a sport that I will always call my own. Working alongside my good friend and coach, Andrew Craven, I have come to view swimming as a foundation stone in my life – reminding me of the value of commitment, the positive outcomes of hard work and dedication, and the importance of a focused mind and healthy body.
With my athletic successes and competitive accolades now behind me, it is time for me to turn the page on this exciting chapter and view my sport from another perspective, one which develops, fosters, and coaches the next generation of Canadian swimmers.
Thank you to my family and KIMIK iT for all the continued support; my coaches and team mates for all your guidance, and the staff of Swimming Canada – it has truly been a pleasure working with you, and on your behalf!
“Formula of my happiness: A Yea, a Nay, a straight line, a goal…”
F. Nietzsche – Twilight of the Idols
Adam Purdy Career Summary (Courtesy of Paralympic.ca)
| Games | Sport | Event | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Toronto Parapan Ams | Swimming | 100m Backstroke – Men | 2 |
| 2015 Toronto Parapan Ams | Swimming | 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay – Mixed | 3 |
| 2015 Toronto Parapan Ams | Swimming | 50m Butterfly – Men | 3 |
| 2015 Toronto Parapan Ams | Swimming | 4 x 100m Medley Relay – Men | 2 |
| Games | Sport | Event | Result |
| 2004 Athens Paralympics | Swimming | 100m Backstroke – Men | 4 |
| 2004 Athens Paralympics | Swimming | 200m Individual Medley – Men | 10 |
| 2000 Sydney Paralympics | Swimming | 50m Freestyle – Men | 4 |
| 2000 Sydney Paralympics | Swimming | 100m Freestyle – Men | 6 |
| 2000 Sydney Paralympics | Swimming | 100m Backstroke – Men | 1 |
| 2000 Sydney Paralympics | Swimming | 50m Butterfly – Men | 6 |
| 2000 Sydney Paralympics | Swimming | 200m Individual Medley – Men | 4 |
| 2000 Sydney Paralympics | Swimming | 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay – Men | 4 |
| 2000 Sydney Paralympics | Swimming | 4 x 100m Medley Relay – Men | 1 |
| 1996 Atlanta Paralympics | Swimming | 50m Freestyle – Men | 11 |
| 1996 Atlanta Paralympics | Swimming | 200m Freestyle – Men | 11 |
| 1996 Atlanta Paralympics | Swimming | 100m Backstroke – Men | 4 |
| 1996 Atlanta Paralympics | Swimming | 100m Breaststroke – Men | 12 |
| 1996 Atlanta Paralympics | Swimming | 50m Butterfly – Men | 10 |