Olympic gold medallist Jon Montgomery ’99 per cent’ sure he’s retiring

CALGARY – Canadian skeleton racer Jon Montgomery says he’s “99 per cent” certain he is retiring.

The 2010 Olympic gold medallist made the comments in a telephone interview with The Canadian Press on Thursday.

The 34-year-old from Russell, Man., was one of the stars of the Vancouver Games four years ago, memorably chugging from a pitcher of beer in Whistler, B.C., following his victory.

But Montgomery failed to qualify for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi after struggling to find consistency on a new sled.

Montgomery said he wants to leave the sport with his health intact and is proud of what he’s accomplished for both himself and Canada.

“I’m done. As a competitive athlete, this is the end of the road for me,” he said, before later adding: “I would say 99 per cent of me is certain that I am done. You won’t see me next year or the year after and I’m 99 per cent sure you won’t see me trying to gain a spot for (the 2018 Winter Olympics in) Pyeongchang.”