Let's Discuss: The Emotions Of Tessa Virtue And Scott Moir Retiring

There are no words to describe the emotions that have sprung forth following Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir’s announcement that they are “stepping away” from the sport, which many are interpreting as retirement. I knew it was coming, but wow. As a long-time fan of theirs and figure skating, it is a lot to emotionally sift through. First, some facts before I get into the feelings.

In a video starring both of them and posted on social media, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir did not use the words retirement. However, Moir said it was the right time to “say goodbye.” Meaning their epic performance at the 2018 Winter Olympics could presumably mark the end of their competitive career.


You can watch the video below. Before viewing it, make sure you are in a place you feel comfortable openly sobbing. Accompanying Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir's words are clips from their past performances, so the sentimentalism of the video is intense. Enough procrastinating. Here it is:

Thank you ❤️ #VirtueMoir #XXII pic.twitter.com/poZEnEljAp

— Tessa Virtue (@tessavirtue) September 18, 2019

Wow. Just wow.

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir are the greatest ice dance team of all-time. Thankfully, I was fortunate enough to tell that to them directly during a meet and greet for their terrific Thank You Canada tour, last year. They and the entire cast of the show were marvelous by the way. Another Virtue and Moir headlined tour, entitled Rock the Rink, is on its way this fall.

A chance to see the only ice dance team that commands the ice the way Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir can. Their artistry, chemistry, skating skills, acrobatic lifts, twizzle precision, sheer performance power, profound razzle, and dancing dazzle are incomparable.

When Virtue and Moir take the ice, something beyond skating happens. It is pure magic. Who will or could ever forget their astonishing performance at every Olympics or all of the events in between? I cannot.

The world grew wise to what countless skating fans already knew before the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. They are a phenomenon, unlike any other.


Virtue and Moir captured the hearts and imagination of those tuning in to see a lifetime of work charge an electrifying ice dance performance in the highest pressure setting. In doing so, the universe got to witness one of the most beautiful moments in figure skating history.

There was elegance, poise, passion, sass, and vigor. It was classic Virtue and Moir. In case you need a refresher:

The duo’s “Moulin Rouge” free dance is (to my mind) undoubtedly the greatest one in ice dance history and it earned being scored as such. One of those bittersweet aspects to the games. Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir deserve to define the sport and to many, they invariably do.

Virtue and Moir’s performance was everything that a perfect free dance could ever be. They took it to the limit and beyond. I am grateful to have gotten to see them perform it during Canada's 2018 Stars on Ice tour.

What those watching witnessed with their last competitive performance was a raw human drive that demonstrated the muscle control of two athletes. Not only were they tasked with putting on an incredible display of physical stamina.

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir also had to bring their characters to life and tell a story that would enthrall the audience. Athletic performance art.

The cheers in the crowd (and in my living room) provided recognition to a reality that was as obvious to the eyes as the sky being blue. To watch that Virtue and Moir performance, and all of the others that have spanned their 22-year career is to continually witness something superhuman. A demonstration of artful athleticism beyond what seems capable of mortals.


Yet, those who have followed their career know that it has come with its ups and downs. Not only facing physical adversity but the frustrating scores of judges.

Despite all of that, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir mounted a comeback to become the most decorated Olympic figure skaters in history. If Virtue and Moir competed at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, I have no doubt that if they were judged fairly, they would legitimately earn a gold medal. They are that phenomenal.

Still, the world saw something remarkable last year, and I would be greedy to ask for more. Their announcement of stepping away from the sport is nevertheless sad and mournful news. The end of an era. One you could sort of sense happen as the duo skated the final seconds of their free dance.

Watching Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir perform those triumphant final lifts in their “Moulin Rouge” free dance is enough to make any heart soar. At that time, tears filled my eyes, knowing I was quite possibly watching something wonderous happen for the last time. Like a shooting star falling out of view. All of their hard work coming to fruition in the span of minutes.

Here's to the Rock the Rink tour! Unfortunately, the Cleveland show was cancelled, so I will not be in the crowd yet again as people get to witness wonder enter their lives. According to what Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir said in the above video, it is their last tour, so if you are wondering whether to go, there is your answer.


The thought of not being able to see Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir competitively skate again is a lot to take in. It marks a huge loss for the sport. Their legacy will live on and their impact should echo throughout countless skating generations to come. Virtue and Moir changed ice dance forever. The magic they have given the world will have to sustain me and everyone else.

[Featured Image by Eclectic Pop]