Vancouver (BC), Canada – Mike Robertson of Canmore, Alberta, a member of the Canadian National Snowboardcross Team for five years, announced his retirement from the sport this week, along with national team riders François Boivin and Dan Csokonay. A cited nagging injuries in explaining their retirement.
Robertson reached the peak of his career at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver where he won the silver medal. A determined competitor, Robertson competed in over 30 World Cup events and managed back-to-back podiums at Cypress Mountain in Vancouver and Bad Gastein, Austria, in 2009. Robertson’s decision to retire comes after being sidelined all of last season with an injury.
“The decision to retire was a hard one to make. I had different plans in mind and would have loved to represent Canada at another Olympics,” Robertson said. “I didn’t want an injury to end my career, but after two years of struggling with concussion symptoms and trying to recover again and again, I had to make the best decision for my long-term health. I would like to thank everyone who helped me along the way, especially my teammates for the good times and memories. I wish them the best of luck in the future!”
In addition to Robertson, Boivin, a snowboardcross veteran from Jonquière, Quebec, is also retiring from the Canadian National Team with 115 World Cup starts dating back to 1999. A two-time Olympian and a regular on the FIS World Cup tour, Boivin’s career best came at the 2005 World Championships in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, where he won the silver medal. A versatile rider, Boivin was the 2002 Junior World Champion in Giant Slalom and has three World Cup SBX podiums to his credit. Boivin, a father of two, is eager to spend more time with his family post retirement.
“I don’t want to say I’m retiring, as I plan to compete from time to time,” Boivin acknowledged. “However, I’ve been struggling with an injury for a couple of years and life on the road can be difficult with a young family. I am looking forward to going back to school and having more time to focus on my career and family.”
Csokonay, of Canmore, Alberta, the 2011 recipient of the Neil Daffern award, is also retiring after a three-year term on the National Team. Csokonay competed in 10 World Cups and the 2011 World Championships. Csokonay’s career best was a fourth place in Lech am Alberg, Austria in 2010. Csokonay sustained a number of injuries over the last two seasons that ultimately led to his early retirement.
“Retirement is never an easy decision. For these athletes, injuries have pushed them to make this tough decision,” said Bob Joncas, High Performance Director for Canada~Snowboard. “They have all left their mark in their own way. We wish them well on their future projects. If their athletic careers are any indication, I am positive they will have great success.”