Canada's Keegan Messing retires from competitive figure skating

Two-time Canadian men's champion Keegan Messing has retired from competitive skating.

Messing, from Anchorage, Ala., has represented Canada on the world stage since 2014.

The 31-year-old won the Canadian title in 2022 and defended it in January at the Canadian championships in Oshawa, Ont.

He won gold medals at the 2018 and 2022 Nebelhorn Trophy events, silver at Skate Canada International in 2018 and silver at the 2023 ISU Four Continents Championships.

WATCH | Messing claims 2nd national title:

Messing represented Canada at the 2018 and 2022 Winter Olympics. His circuitous journey to the Beijing Olympics, made more difficult by stringent COVID-19 restrictions, received significant media coverage.

In a Skate Canada release, Messing said he is looking forward to spending more time with his family which includes two young children, Wyatt and Mia. He plans to continue skating in professional shows.

"As I step away from competitive figure skating, I don't feel burdened with what I couldn't achieve but fulfilled with what I've gained and accomplished," said Messing. 

"I can step away knowing that I've truly made a difference in the sport and that I've accomplished all I set out for."