Athletics Canada – News – Canada’s best ever 400-metre runner retires; Tyler Christopher hangs up his spikes

OTTAWA – Edmonton, Alta.’s Tyler Christopher has officially announced his retirement from the sport of athletics today. The track star steps away from competition after a very successful career highlighted by a World Indoor title in 2008 and a bronze medal at the 2005 World Outdoor Championships.  

“Tyler had many great races and was among the top 6 in the world from 2005 to 2008 challenging the best in the world in every outing,” comments Alex Gardiner, Athletics Canada’s Olympic Program Head Coach. He adds: “On every national team he was a part of, Tyler’s exuberant confidence spilled over to his teammates.  For six hard years he trained and competed all over the world in an event considered by most as the ultimate test in pain threshold. We’re going to miss his style, his bravado and the flash of his smile as he crossed the finish line.”

His illustrious career will be honoured Saturday June 25 as part of Athletics Canada’s Awards & Hall of Fame Induction Banquet taking place in Calgary, site of the 2011 Canadian Track and Field Championships June 22-25.  The event serves as the perfect backdrop to pay tribute to Tyler’s career, with today’s stars and yesterday’s heroes being honoured in front of the Canadian athletics community.

Tyler retires as the Canadian record holder in the indoor and outdoor 400-metres, the indoor 300-metres and as a member of the 4×200-metre relay team.  In 2005 Tyler was recognized as Athletics Canada’s recipient of both the Jack Davies trophy as the outstanding overall athlete and the Phil Edwards trophy as the top athlete in track events. Tyler is a four-time Canadian Champion (2008/ 2007/ 2006/ 2004), an Olympian (2008), a World Indoor Champion (2008), a World Championship bronze medalist and Pan American Games silver medalist.          

-AC-

Athletics Canada – News