Two time Real Style Magazine cover-girl Tessa Virtue, and her longtime ice dance partner Scott Moir took to social media yesterday to officially announcement their retirement from the sport.

The pair, the most decorated ice dance duo in history, posted a video online that showed them skating around the ice as they broke the news. The video, interspersed with clips of their practices, competitions and achievements, is an emotional one, yet happy at the same time. 

“After 22 years, it feels like the right time to step away from the sport,” the 30 year old Virtue said. “This is so personal and emotional for both of us. We’re just so grateful. How lucky are we really that we got to share all of this together and with all of you?”

Virtue, a native of London Ontario, and Moir, of Ilderton, rose to international fame as they won five Olympic medals for their routines. They last competed at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, where they won two more gold medals that made them the most decorated ice dancers in the history of the sport. It was long expected that they would retire after PyeongChang, but no official announcement was made until yesterday, the same day Western University announced the pair are receiving honorary doctor of laws degrees at this fall’s convocation. The 32 year old Moir also recently announced his engagement to another former skating partner, Jackie Mascarin.

“People showed up, they’ve supported us year after year over a 22-year career. We feel like the most fortunate kids in Canada still,” Moir said. “It just feels for us like it’s the right time to say goodbye.”

Along with their Olympic achievements, the duo have also earned a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame, and are currently preparing for their cross-country Rock the Rink Tour that begins in Abbotsford, B.C., on October 5 and ends November 23 in St. John’s, N.L.. It’s expected that the last stop on the tour will be their last performance. 

Virtue says that even though they are retiring, the future of the sport in Canada is bright. “We’re in such good hands in Canada,” she said. “The next generation of skaters is going to blaze new trails, break all of our records and we can’t wait to cheer them on.”

Thank you ❤️ #VirtueMoir #XXII pic.twitter.com/poZEnEljAp

— Tessa Virtue (@tessavirtue) September 18, 2019

Photo: Instar Images