Emily Batty announces retirement from professional mountain biking

On Thursday, Emily Batty announced she is calling an end to her long and illustrious career as a professional mountain biker.

The 34-year-old from Brooklin, Ont. racked up a long list of successes, both nationally and internationally. Batty earned two Olympic appearances, in 2012 and another in 2016, where she finished fourth. She was twice third at UCI mountain bike world championships, in 2016 and again in 2018. Batty also landed a long list of 17 World Cup podiums, the 2015 Pan American Championship title and numerous Canadian national championships.

Throughout her career, Batty was known for the close connection she maintained with her fans, in Canada and around the world. The Ontario rider developed that connection in person, spending time with fans after races, and online.

Batty ends her racing career with a letter to those fans, which can be read in full below.

Emily Batty retirement statement

Dear fans, supporters, and cherished friends,

Today marks a new journey that fills me with nostalgia and anticipation. With mixed emotions, I announce my retirement from professional mountain biking. As I reflect upon my incredible career, I am grateful for the remarkable experiences, victories, and connections that have shaped me into the person I am today.

First and foremost, I want to express my deepest appreciation to all of you—my dedicated fans and supporters. You have been the driving force behind my accomplishments, the wind beneath my wings. Your unwavering encouragement and belief in me have propelled me to reach the heights I had dreamt of. Whether cheering me on from the sidelines or engaging with me through the digital realm, your presence has made this journey genuinely remarkable.

I will forever cherish the memories of standing on the World Cup podiums and representing Canada at two Olympic Games—a testament to the countless hours of training, sacrifice, and sheer determination. To finish twice third overall in the World Cup series and have graced the World Cup podium 17+ times is an achievement that will forever fill my heart with pride. The bronze medals at the World Championships in 2016 and 2018, the fourth-place finish at the Olympics in Rio, and the 9+ Canadian Nationals Championships victories have all…