McAllister Takes His Final Bow
Irish figure skater Sam McAllister (24) has announced his retirement from competition, bringing an end to a successful career on the ice.
In 2018, McAllister became only the second athlete from Ireland to compete at the World Junior Figure Skating Championships. He became the third Irish skater to participate in the European Figure Skating Championships in January 2023 where he finished 28th. This would ultimately be his final competition. He also holds three national senior titles.
In his retirement statement, McAllister expressed his gratitude for the support he received throughout his skating career. He thanked his coach and all those who have encouraged him throughout his years as a competitive skater.
“I have had the honour of being able to share this great journey with my mother as my coach. I look forward to my journey of now coaching alongside her.
“I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone that’s been a part of my skating journey, I can’t even begin to list everyone, but just know you have all had a huge impact on not just me as a skater but me as a person and I am so grateful to you all.
“I do want to give a special thanks to the Irish Federation for the support they have shown me over these years.”
“Although Sam’s retirement from competition marks the end of one chapter of his life, I look forward to seeing him stay involved in the further development of Irish figure skating,” ISAI President Seán Gillis said. “I would like to thank him for the many memorable moments he brought to the world of Irish figure skating.”
