“We have no regrets”: American figure skaters Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue retire after 11 year long illustrious career


“We have no regrets”: American figure skaters Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue retire after 11 year long illustrious career

Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue

American figure skaters Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue will be ending a big chapter of their lives, announcing their retirement post the Winter Olympics.

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Hubbell and Donohue announced last year that their 2021-2022 season, including the 2022 Beijing Olympics, would be their last season on ice. The pair finished with a bronze medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics, their crowning moment after missing out at the previous Winter Games. They subsequently won a silver medal at the  2022 World Figure Skating Championships in Montpellier, France on Saturday.

“Our connection isn’t something that you get every day. And that’s something that I already miss now that we’re done. We’ve shared 11 amazing, tumultuous years together,” said Donohue according to olympics.com.

“The emotions were really high”: Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue end their 11 year long career

Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue
Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue

The pair of Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue first made their debut at the 2012 World Championships in France. Since then they have come a long way, winning uncountable medals and ending on a perfect high with a bronze at the Olympics.

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Their final performance at the 2022 World Championships was a memorable one too. “Going into today, the emotions were really high. I was crying this morning on practice ice realising that this one aspect of our life was coming to a close. We also knew coming onto the ice that no matter what happened, it was going to be a perfect ending because we were just excited to spend those last four minutes together – with the public, our family.”

Hubbell said that they had no regret in the long path that they had taken. After ice skating for the last 22 years, Hubbell said that she went into her last performance with emotion, and to celebrate the long journey. As the pair move on, Donohue plans to continue in the sport, but this time as a coach. Hubbell is also in talks to become a coach, but has no immediate plans as of yet.

Also read: “I am very happy to be on the ice”: Kamila Valieva’s competitive return after controversial 2022 Winter Olympics

Also read: “Toxic Culture and Abusive Practices”: Gymnastics Canada calls for action against issues

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