What happened to former Canadian figure skating star Tessa Virtue?
Tessa Virtue's name will always be associated with the figure skating world. The Canadian has undeniably left her mark on the sport and built up an impressive trophy cabinet over the years. Join us in looking back at Virtue's skating adventure and her life after competition.
Virtue was born on 17 May 1989 in London, Ontario, to a family of four children. She played sports from an early age and started skating when she was just six, the beginning of a successful story.
When she was just seven, she was paired with Scott Moir, who was nine at the time. Together they would embark on their journey to the top and become Canada's pre-eminent skating couple.
Virtue and Moir made history, becoming the youngest team ever to win an Olympic title in 2010, but that's not all. Their record includes another four Olympic medals, giving them the title of most decorated Olympic figure skaters of all time. They are also the only skaters to have done a Super Slam, winning all major competitions in their junior and senior years, and claimed three world titles.
Picture credit: screenshot Instagram, @tessavirtue17
Virtue's and Moir's story came to an end in 2019, when they announced on Twitter that they are "stepping away from the sport", aged 30 and 32 and after 22 years.
"After 22 years, it feels like the right time to step away from the sport," Virtue explained. "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?"
Picture credit: screenshot Instagram, @tessavirtue17
Virtue and Moir are superstars in Canada, a country with a great skating tradition. In 2023, they would get their well-deserved place in Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, having been inducted into the Order of Canada three years earlier.
Picture credit: screenshot Instagram, @tessavirtue17
Virtue started her life after skating and currently works as an executive advisor for Deloitte. She has also appeared in several magazines, was an analyst at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and is very active on Instagram, where her followers can enjoy post about sports and fashion, amongst others. She is also an ambassador for Adidas.
Picture credit: screenshot Instagram, @tessavirtue17
In her private life, Virtue is engaged to hockey player Morgan Rielly (pictured), with whom she reportedly lives in Toronto and enjoys life after her pro skating career.
Picture credit: screenshot Instagram, @tessavirtue17