Elvis is no amateur any more

By STEVE BUFFERY -- Toronto Sun


Stojko won't return to competitive figure skating


Legend has it that three-time world figure skating champion Elvis
Stojko once put hockey bruiser Eric Lindros down for the count with a
karate chop.

Yesterday, Stojko cut himself down to size, announcing his retirement
from competitive skating for the second time.

Last April, the Richmond Hill athlete, who initially retired as an
eligible skater following the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, announced
he was returning to the national team.

Six months, one mystery virus and countless bruises later, Stojko is
again on his way out.

"I am very disappointed (to be retiring) but I have made it clear to
Skate Canada that I will always be available to advise and assist all
of the young skaters who are now part of the national team and those
who have dreams of some day representing Canada," Stojko said
yesterday in a statement.

Stojko, 31, didn't say exactly why he was retiring again, but his
manager, Ed Futerman, told The Sun that the past six months of
training have left the skater physically and mentally exhausted.

"He felt good about making the decision," said the Toronto lawyer. "I
think he realized there's no reason for him to come back. He has done
it all."

Stojko, who also won two Olympic silver medals and was the first
person to perform a quadruple combination jump in competition, was
scheduled to compete at Skate Canada next month at the Hershey Centre
in Mississauga and a Grand Prix event in China in early November.

He now will concentrate on a career as a professional skater.

There were indications not all was well with Stojko last week when he
withdrew from the national team training camp in Kitchener because of
a mononucleosis-type virus.

Skating's Terminator travelled to Florida for a week's holiday, and
while Futerman said the virus is gone, Stojko returned from his
vacation certain it was time to hang up his competitive skates again.

"I consider myself very lucky and fortunate that I have had the
honour of representing Canada for over 12 years," said the seven-time
national men's singles champion.

"I believe I have made some contributions to figure skating in this
country."




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