Amateur Sports
Jessica Hewitt Retires
Sports is not for everyone and if I mentioned the name Jessica Hewitt, you would naturally assume that I meant the American actress, producer, author, television director and singer-songwriter.
She began her acting career as a child by appearing such television commercials and the Disney Channel series Kids Incorporated and in teenage popular culture in her roles in the Fox series Party of Five.
The one I am talking about resides in Kamloops and started training with the Kamloops Long Blades at the age of 10, but in 2006 she moved to train in Calgary at the Olympic Oval and made the national team in 2008.
She also took the 13th spot in the 500m event.
In five senior international seasons since 2008, Hewitt won four World Championships medals (two gold and two silver), and 11 World Cup medals (one gold, four silver and six bronze), all in the relay event.
“I’m thankful for all of the memories and experiences that short track speed skating has given me over the years,” said Hewitt. “Most importantly, this sport has taught me a lot about myself and how to persevere. I’m looking forward to using these lessons in other aspects of my life.”
“Thanks to all of the people that helped me reach my goals and mostly to my teammates who made me drag myself out of bed every morning. Good luck to all of the girls and guys.”
“On behalf of Speed Skating Canada’s community, I would like to congratulate and thank Jessica Hewitt for her contribution to the sport in the country,” said Speed Skating Canada’s President Jim Allison.
“She not only contributed to the pursuit and tradition of excellence in the Speed Skating program as part of the women’s relay silver medal at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, but she was also a great representative of the sport in British Columbia.
She was always willing to give back to her community every time she was able to do so. Congratulations Jessica and good luck.”
Hewitt is currently in the Human Environment program at the Concordia University in Montreal and we wish her all the best with her career.
About Speed Skating Canada
Speed Skating Canada is the governing body for competitive long track and short track speed skating in Canada and was founded in 1887.
The association is comprised of 13 provincial and territorial branches representing more than 13,000 individual members, and counting.
SSC believes that sport is an apprenticeship for life and prizes respect for others, integrity, excellence of effort, as well as a safe, healthy environment.
SSC recognizes and values its outstanding volunteers who give freely of their time and expertise.
It also celebrates the 63 Olympic medals won by Canadian athletes since 1932, as well as the coaches, officials and other dedicated individuals who helped them on their journey.
SSC is proud to be affiliated with partners that share the same vision and values including our premium sponsor Intact Insurance, as well as our funding partners, the Government of Canada, Own the Podium, and WinSport Canada.
Thanks to Patrick Godbout, Communications & Media Relations Manager
Speed Skating Canada, Email: pgodbout@speedskating.ca