Calgary, Alta. (February 10, 2023) — Marie-Michèle Gagnon (Lac-Etchemin, QC) announced today that she is retiring from racing at the conclusion of the 2022_23 World Cup season. Gagnon will retire with over 270 World Cup starts, the most ever by a Canadian alpine ski racer, five World Cup podiums, and she stood on the top of the podium twice in her distinguished career. Gagnon will continue to race super-G for the remainder of this World Cup season.

Gagnon’s first World Cup race was a giant slalom in La Molina, Spain, on December 13th, 2008. Over her more than 14-year World Cup racing career, Gagnon delivered 63 career top 10’s, she stood on the podium in four different events, and finished on the top of the podium in the super combined in 2014 and the alpine combined in 2016.

“I am so thankful and appreciative of this amazing sport and the people around it,” said Marie-Michèle Gagnon. “I am so proud to have raced for Canada around the world and to have stood on the podium representing Canada. I’ve raced in some of the most beautiful places in the world, met wonderful people and made friends that will last a lifetime. Including my fiancé, Travis Ganong. It has been an incredibly rewarding journey and I’m just as excited for my next chapter.”

“There is so much to say, and so many people to thank, and I’ve tried to say it all in this letter (link here). The biggest and most deserved thank you goes to my parents. Without their support and sacrifices, this dream career would not have been possible. I am so thankful that we got to share this wonderful dream together.”

Along with over 270 World Cup starts, Gagnon has 23 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships starts, also more than any other Canadian. Gagnon represented Canada at three Olympic Winter Games: Vancouver 2010, Sochi 2014 and Beijing 2022. Her eight Olympic alpine ski racing starts is tied for the most ever by a Canadian women.

"I know all Canadians join me in celebrating Marie-Michele's incredible ski racing career with World Cup podiums in tech and in speed events over two decades," said Therese Brisson, President & CEO of Alpine Canada .  "Her longevity is a testament to her passion and dedication for the sport.  She has been a veteran leader and ambassador who leaves a legacy of inspiring a generation of ski racers.  I am excited for what comes next for her and know she will continue to play a special role in ski racing across Canada."

Career Results: (as of February 10, 2023)

Olympic Winter Games: 

Tied with Emily Brydon and Kathy Kreiner for most by a Canadian women

• 3 Olympic Winter Games: Vancouver 2010, Sochi 2014, Beijing 2022
• 8 Olympic Winter Games starts

FIS Alpine World Ski Championships: 

More than any other Canadian, next are Emily Brydon and Thomas Grandi at 18

• 8 World Championships
• 25 World Championship starts

FIS World Cup

272 World Cup starts:

• 63 top 10 finishes and 19 top 5’s
• 5 podiums: two x first place & three x third place
• 2 victories: super combined in Altenmarkt-Zauchensee, Austria, January 12, 2014, and in alpine combined in Soldeu-El Tarter, Andorra, February 28, 2016.

For more information or media inquiries please contact:

Mark Halliday
Alpine Canada
403 777 3204
media@alpinecanada.org

About Alpine Canada

Alpine Canada is the governing body for alpine, para-alpine, and ski cross racing in Canada, as well as for Canadian ski coaches, providing education, certification, insurance, and compliance with the coaching code of conduct. With the support of valued corporate partners and donors, along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium, the Canadian Olympic Committee, and the Coaching Association of Canada, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, World Championship, and World Cup athletes to stimulate visibility, inspiration, and growth in the ski community.