French short track speed skater Véronique Pierron announced her retirement today.
By Jackob Savard
Photos: Schaats Photo's & Véronique Pierron's Instagram account
Four-time Olympian Véronique Pierron, leader of the French short track team for several years, is officially hanging up her skates. The 30-year-old athlete made the announcement to her subscribers today through her Instagram account.
Here is Pierron's statement (Translation by Passion/Speed/Skating)
I'm ready for the next trip. It is time to take a new road. My heart, my head and my body are telling me it's time to do something new. I've decided to retire from top level short track speed skating. I've always wanted to decide by myself to stop my career so that I would have no regrets. Skating is my whole life. It has made me who I am today and will always be something I am passionate about. I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had in my long career.
4 Olympics full of pitfalls and injuries from which I have always recovered. I think I've experienced everything in my career: victories, failures, joy, sadness, sharing... It’s not only about winning or losing, it's the road to the goals that is most beautiful.
I've been lucky to have a lot of people by my side, even in difficult times. I would like to thank all the people who have supported me throughout my journey: My family, my friends, my coaches, my teammates, the medics, my clubs, my Federation, my Region, my Department and the city of Reims... And finally, thank you to all the people who have been kind to me throughout these 15 years. I will be eternally grateful to them. I will always share my experiences with joy and passion.
Now it is my turn to transmit all the values I have acquired. It is therefore with pleasure that I will take care of young athletes at the national structure of Reims and the Reims speed skating club.
I will also be happy to continue with the city of Reims which has supported me for many years.
Thank you for your unfailing support.
Vévé. 💛