By Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam on Twitter

Jim Steacy Says His Final Farewell to Competitive Sports

Jul 21, 2016 | 4:01 PM

LETHBRIDGE – It’s the end of an era, as local athlete and two-time Olympian Jim Steacy announced his retirement from competitive sports on Thursday.

He read a statement through tears, on the same throwing circle where he practiced and competed as a member of the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns Track team in the early 2000’s. During his speech, he expressed that he couldn’t be more grateful for his family and all of their support.

After a nearly 17-year long career, Steacy says it’s really time to move on.

“My body just has taken an absolute pounding over the last few years, and my checklist is done… There’s nothing I can do anymore to make it any better, so it’s time. I’ve had my fun, I’ve had my run.”

Steacy explained that getting to meet so many great people, while also sticking with his original coach, Larry Steinke, are part of his most cherished memories.

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The plan from here is to spend a lot of time with family and friends before moving on to a new passion. While he would much rather be competing with them, Steacy is thrilled to cheer on his sister, Heather, and sister-in-law, Ashley, as well, when they head to the Rio Olympics in August.

Steacy represented Canada at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the London Olympics in 2012, and earned gold medals at both the Commonwealth and Pan Am Games. He still holds the Canadian record for longest hammer throw at 79.13-meters, which was set in May 2008.