“I always knew this day would come but l never expected to feel so many emotions when it did. After the Olympic Games in Paris, I decided to move up a category to chase a fire that was no longer there. I had always used judo as a form of self-expression and after three incredibly draining Olympic cycles, I realised I no longer felt the same passion or desire to express myself in that way.
Although I'm hanging up my competitive judogi without the results I know I was capable of, l've come to realise that my journey was about so much more than that. I leave with lifelong friendships, unforgettable experiences, resilience, discipline, strength, respect for myself and others, and results I am proud of. If my journey inspires even one young athlete, then it was all worth it.
With all my heart, thank you to my wife, my dad, my family, all my coaches, my training partners, my friends, and my sponsors. None of this would have been possible without you. This isn't goodbye, just see you soon.”
Twice a World Judo Masters medallist and with 12 additional World Judo Tour medals, Margelidon completes a career with professionalism, leaving a Canadian legacy that will be felt for many years to come.
