Two-Time Olympian Langlois Retires
Born in Grand-Mere, Quebec, she first laced up figure skates at the age of 11. Now, after 17 years that included two appearances on the world’s biggest sport stage, Anabelle Langlois is retiring from competitive figure skating.
A pairs skater, Langlois earned the right to glide on home ice with partner Cody Hay (Edmonton) at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Inside Vancouver’s Pacific Coliseum, their short program was energetic and clean and, before a cheering crowd, they secured seventh place. In the long program, the Canadian fans gave them tremendous support – and an indelible memory – as Langlois and Hay finished their Olympic adventure in the top-10, ninth place overall.
Making the 2010 Olympic team was a major task in its own right. Langlois first had to recover from a fractured foot that kept her and Hay from competing during the entire 2008-2009 season. But in their return they rose to the challenge, first winning bronze at the Nebelhorn Trophy in September 2009. Then they finished second at the pressure-packed 2010 Canadian Championships, and with it, two tickets to the Olympic Games.
Said coach Lee Barkell: “They are true role models showing that with teamwork, a strong work ethic and a dream that you can achieve your goals.”
Langlois teamed up with Hay in 2005, and the two captured the Canadian pairs title in 2008. They also had two World Championship appearances, finishing 8th in 2008 and 10th in 2007. Langlois is a two-time Olympian, competing in 2002 with partner Patrice Archetto. There, in Salt Lake City, Langlois finished 12th. She also skated in three World Championships with Archetto, with top marks in 2003, finishing 5th overall.
(Anabelle) is such a passionate, driven person, and puts all of herself into everything she does,” said Hay. “She is fiery, and strong-willed, but is also so caring and loving. I think the combination is what makes her so unique and likeable. These strengths in her personality are also what made her such a great skater. You were drawn into watching her every time she stepped on the ice, and the passion she had for the sport is what made her into such a great competitor.”
With her accomplished career coming to a close, Langlois said she will turn her attention to coaching young figure skaters, as well as reaching toward a degree in psychology.
“I was honoured to have been able to represent Canada for several years, and especially in 2010 at the Olympics in our own country,” said Langlois. “We did all that we could to make everyone proud of us, and so appreciated the support of our fans for all these years.”
