Emily Batty has announced her retirement from a successful professional cross-country mountain biking career, which included bronze medals at the World Championships in Nove Mesto (2016) and Lenzerheide (2018).

Batty represented Canada twice at the London (2012) and Rio de Janeiro (2016) Olympics, finishing fourth behind bronze medalist and compatriot Catherine Pendrel.

Batty is from Brooklyn, Ontario, and began racing at age 13. She is a nine-time national champion and has raced for Trek World Racing and Subaru Trek, and most recently for Canyon and Red Bull as a sponsor.

In a heartfelt message to sponsors and supporters, Batty reflected on her accomplishments, setbacks, and future career.

Dear fans, supporters, and dear friends,

Today I embark on a new journey filled with nostalgia and anticipation. It is with mixed feelings that I announce my retirement from professional mountain biking. As I reflect on my amazing career, I am grateful for the amazing experiences, victories, and connections that have shaped me into the person I am today.

First and foremost, my deepest thanks to all of my devoted fans and supporters. You have been the driving force behind my accomplishments and the wind in my wings. Your unwavering encouragement and belief in me has propelled me to heights I have only dreamed of. Whether you cheered me on from the sidelines or engaged with me through the digital world, your presence has made this journey genuinely amazing.

I will forever cherish the memories of standing on the World Cup podium and representing Canada in two Olympic Games as a testament to countless hours of training, sacrifice, and sheer determination. Two third place overall finishes in the World Cup Series and standing on the World Cup podium more than 17 times will forever fill my heart with pride: bronze medals at the 2016 and 2018 World Championships,

a fourth place finish at the Rio Olympics, and more than nine wins at the Canadian Championships are all have been unforgettable milestones, intricately woven into the fabric of my personal story.

As a professional athlete and someone who has had the opportunity to experience the highs and lows, I have come to appreciate success beyond medals. The essence of my experience lies in the invaluable lessons learned, the unforgettable encounters, and the moments of human growth that come from facing challenges head-on.

I often think back to my first Olympics and representing Canada in London 2012 despite breaking my collarbone three days before the Games. It holds a special place in my heart. The roller coaster ride of overcoming pain, finishing on the lead lap, and beating the odds remains a testament to my resilience and unwavering spirit as an athlete.

Looking back on that incredible journey, I am filled with immense pride knowing that I gave it my all despite the odds.

As I look back on all these moments, I am reminded that the core of the meaning and purpose of life is not in the pursuit of medals and achievements, but in the journey of self-improvement through an unwavering dedication to improving our skills, experience, and craft. It is a testament to our character, a reflection of who we are and what we aspire to be, and how this transformation unfolds beautifully, enlightening us and leading us to a better self.

All the triumphs, setbacks, and connections I have made throughout this extraordinary journey have shaped who I am standing before you today. As I take this new step forward, I carry with me invaluable lessons, deep friendships, and unwavering support from those who have stood by my side. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the evolution of the sport and pave the way for the next generation of athletes who are resilient and passionate.

I am honored beyond words to collaborate with and support an extraordinary brand.

Their unwavering support and faith in my abilities have amplified my accomplishments and helped me make a lasting impact within the industry. I am truly grateful for the opportunities they have given me and the partnerships we have fostered and continue to nurture.

But beyond the medals, the wins, and the brand partnerships, what truly touched my soul were the people I met on this special journey. Whether in person or online, each encounter has enriched my life and shaped my perspective. The connections I have made with my fans and supporters are the lifeblood of my motivation. Your energy and passion are my own personal driving force. Over time, we have built and continue to build a tremendous digital fan base of nearly one million followers around the world. The unwavering support and growth I have experienced through these digital channels has been invaluable throughout my career and I am eternally grateful. It has provided me with a platform and voice to express my true self, showcase the brands I have proudly represented, and share the deep connections I have made on this special journey.

As I step away from professional mountain bike racing and embark on this new journey in the sport, I am faced with the excitement and uncertainty that lies ahead; having been a cyclist since the age of 13, the next chapter of my career will undoubtedly be a challenging one. But I accept this challenge with open arms and an eager heart. The possibilities are vast and filled with a sense of purpose to explore new avenues, contribute to the sport of cycling in many ways, and continue to grow as an individual.

I may not have all the answers right now, but I am full of ideas and opportunities waiting for me. The passion, determination, and experience that fueled my athletic career will undoubtedly propel me forward into this next phase in my cycling life. I invite you to join me in this new adventure of advancing through uncharted territory, discovering new passions, and trying to impact the sport in new ways.

Once again, thank you for joining me on this special journey. Your unwavering support and trust in me has been the driving force behind my success.

With love, gratitude, grace and fortitude.

Emily Batty