Olympic medallist Cheryl Bernard retires

Olympic silver medallist Cheryl Bernard announced on Tuesday that she is retiring from competitive curling.

“To retire from the game I absolutely love is one of the toughest decisions of my life,” a statement from Bernard reads on her website. “But it’s time to be satisfied with what I have accomplished in the sport and walk away with some amazing memories and incredible relationships. I don’t think you ever really leave the game, I am sure I will stay involved in some capacity going forward.”

Cori Bartel; Susan O'Connor; Cheryl Bernard; Carolyn Darbyshire; Kristie Moore

At Vancouver 2010, Bernard was the skip of the national women’s curling team that included Susan O’Connor, Carolyn Darbyshire and Cori Bartel. The alternate was Kristie Moore. Team Bernard was 8-1 in the round robin before beating Switzerland in the semifinal.  In the gold medal final, Bernard’s rink was edged out 7-6 by Sweden.

Cheryl Bernard

Bernard added, “standing on the podium in Vancouver and winning a medal for Canada with three other outstanding women was the most incredible feeling — a dream come true for all of us.”

“It’s been an amazing career and I have so many people to thank. Specifically my common-law husband,Terry Meek, my family, friends, fans and sponsors, as well as the exemplary coaching and friendship I received from Dennis & sports psychologist, Penny Werthner. They all provided amazing support and enabled our team to compete at the highest level.”