By Devin Heroux
Few athletes in their sporting careers actually get to say they’ve accomplished everything they set out to do.
The list of dreams, goals and aspirations are usually lofty and often unachievable – but it’s the pursuit of it all that defines the legacy of an athlete.
But every so often, there are those who transcend their sport, become larger than life and actually do get to say they’ve done everything they’ve wanted to do.
That is the case for Canadian curling legend Brad Gushue, who on Wednesday evening took to social media, sharing with the world that this upcoming season would be his last.
Gushue, in his teenage years, wrote down his checklist, and now, in the winter of his career, can say with confidence he’s completed it all.
"I feel like I'm among the lucky few who can say they've achieved them. That's given me the confidence to make this decision now. To leave on a high note with no regrets, no challenge left unanswered, and no expectation unmet," Gushue said.
It felt as though this might have been coming, and yet for those who have followed and cheered on Gushue for more than two decades, there was probably this feeling that he might just play forever. Or at least that’s what people were hoping for.
He’s been a staple in the curling world for countless years.
However, the demands of curling – to the level Gushue has wanted to play at – have taken him away from his wife, daughters and the rest of his family for far too many years and events.
Gushue is tired of missing out on moments in his life. The sacrifices to be one of the greatest ever have been immense. And priorities, especially when you’ve won as much as he has, shift over time.
He enters his final curling season with historically great numbers, including six Brier titles, Olympic gold and bronze medals, a world championship title, four silver medals and 15 Grand Slam titles.
Gushue has been one of the most dominant skips on the planet for the better part of 20 years.
He burst onto the scene at just 25 years old, winning the Canadian Olympic trials in Halifax and earning the right to represent the country at the 2006 Olympics.
Gushue famously went on to win Olympic gold at the Games in Turin, Italy, catapulting him to superstardom in Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond. The province was essentially shut down when he was competing in those Games – and when he won, it was cause for provincial celebration.
But what continued to evade Gushue was a Brier title. Year after year, he would show up at the Canadian men’s championship, find himself in the playoffs, but was unable to win the biggest prize.
That all changed during a home Brier in 2017 in St. John’s. Gushue found magic on the Rock, winning his first Brier title in front of a raucous crowd. They celebrated late into the night, keeping the Patch open throughout the evening for fans to soak up the moment.
It only seems fitting, then, that this upcoming season is his last.
The Olympic trials are returning to Halifax. The Olympics are also returning to Italy. And as a last act, Gushue will get to return home for one last Brier, in St. John’s, where his curling checklist started.
A truly full circle moment for a legend of the game and master of the rings.
