Two-time U.S. pairs champion Shnapir retires
Olympian plans to transition to careers in coaching, broadcasting
Posted
by U.S. Figure Skating
Simon Shnapir, who helped lead Team USA to a bronze medal in the team event at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games, has decided to hang up his skates. -Getty Images
Simon Shnapir, a two-time U.S. pairs champion and 2014 Olympian, has announced his retirement from competitive skating.
"I am grateful for the many years that I had the privilege to represent Team USA," Shnapir said. "As I transition away from competitive skating, I am looking forward to coaching full time and also getting into broadcasting.
"Thank you to all the staff and officials at U.S. Figure Skating and everyone at The Skating Club of Boston, as well as my fellow athletes and competitors who have helped to push me and inspire me through the years," he continued.
Shnapir, who trained in Boston under Bobby Martin and Carrie Wall,
skated for eight years with former partner Marissa Castelli
. They finished ninth at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games, and won the 2013 and '14 U.S. pairs titles before ending their partnership prior to the 2014-15 season.
Last season,
Shnapir competed with DeeDee Leng
. They competed at NHK Trophy and Rostelecom Cup before finishing eighth at the U.S. championships.
"I'd like to thank DeeDee for our time together," Shnapir said. "Though it was short, we built a strong friendship both on and off the ice."
Leng will consider various options moving forward and will first concentrate on recovering from a recent concussion.
"I really enjoyed working with Simon and I couldn't have asked for a better partner or friend. I wish him the best in his future," she said. "Thank you to everyone who has encouraged and supported us. As for the future, I'm not quite sure what's in store, but my main goal right now is to get healthy and recover from my injury."