She represented Canada on the world stage in her sport for 12 consecutive years, and now, Megan Tandy has decided to change her course.
The Prince George Olympian announced her retirement from biathlon on Thursday (Jan. 31) in a post on social media, ending her career with a positive attitude.
“When I look back, more than anything, I am overwhelmed with thankfulness,” explains Tandy in the post.
“This sport has taught me so much about winning and losing, about perseverance and self doubt, and about the power of goals and hard work. Above all else it helped me build the self-confidence to be honest and true to myself throughout many highs and lows both on and off the race course. Not to mention the immense feeling of pride that comes with wearing that maple leaf again and again!”
The 30-year-old qualified to represent Canada in the last three Winter Olympics (2010, 2014, 2018) and was a reoccurring member of our country’s World Cup team for the last decade.
She was the highest-ranking Canadian female biathlete by the end of the Vancouver 2010 games at the age of 21.
Though she never medalled, her best finish was a top 10 finish, eighth place in fact, during the Relay 4x6km team event at the Sochi 2014 Olympics.
Tandy also has a soon-to-be nine-year-old son, one of her many focuses now that she’s stepping away from competitive racing.
“It's a big change and an exciting transition,” the Instagram announcement goes on to say.
“I am looking forward to new goals and priorities: family of course, new job opportunities and finally finishing my masters degree. Thank you to all the friends, family, teammates, sponsors and fans who have been a part of this journey!”
She became interested in biathlon at 12 years old, according to her biography on Canada’s Olympic website, before taking her training seriously at age 16 at the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club.
As the career took her further in life, she moved to Germany to train away from the national team in relatable conditions.
She calls the European nation home now, but doesn’t plan on hanging up her skis anytime soon.
