Canadian racer Genevieve Simard, the fifth place finisher in GS at the last Olympics in 2006, announced her retirement from competitive racing today (Jan. 20).

A two time Olympian was also part of a North American charge in super G at the 2003 World Championships when she finished fourth behind Austrian Michaela Dorfmeister and two Americans, silver medalist Kirsten Clark and Jonna Mendes.

Simard has struggled over the last two seasons in attempting to return from a left knee astronomy, or a realigning of her knee.

"It would be an understatement to say that the last two years have been extremely challenging," Simard, 29, said. "I was the first elite skier to undergo an astronomy and come back to competitive skiing at the World Cup level. I won one run of a World Cup GS last season, which is something I am very proud of. But it is time to listen to my body."

Simard was a major player at the World Cup level for several years, earning rookie of the year status in 2002 and finishing fifth in the final GS standings twice (2005 and2006). She won a World Cup super G in 2004.

"Gen is a gifted athlete whose focus and determination led to to a very successful ski racing career," said the team's Chief Athletics Officer Max Gartner. "We will miss her as a role model on the team. She is an inspiration to the next generation of young Canadian demale ski racers working their way through the national ski racing system dreaming to follow her footsteps."

In addition to her super G win, Simard retires with four World Cup GS podiums, ranking her third among Canadian women all-time behind Kathy Kreiner (6) and Alison Forsyth (5).

Simard had made a strong effort to return to form but had been unable to qualify for a World Cup second run this season.

Simard photo by GEPA