Scott Chandler, P.E.I. gymnast, retires at 40

Scott Chandler will take to the gymnastics mats just one more time, a day after his 40th birthday and three decades after first appearing in competition.

He's even organized his own event so he can say he competed into his forties.

"I'm the only guy out there that's losing his hair I can tell you that," Chandler said with a laugh, "and the only guy out there that doesn't have an eight-pack under his tights." 

While Chandler can poke fun now, his impact on the sport is not in dispute. He has defined and dominated the sport on P.E.I. since his teens. Chandler competed, non-stop, through school and now into his adult life as a marketing manager at a cookware company in Charlottetown.  

"I had 16 national and international medals behind me, and seven years on Canada's national team, four-time Sport PEI athlete of the year. If we're talking about winning that would be the highlights," said Chandler.

"I've decided that just finishing my 20th national championships and now turning 40, that it seemed like two good milestones go out with."

He added his perspective on winning and losing has changed as he's aged.

"Just the chance to do what you love, try every trick you have without fear of failure or success, winning a gold medal isn't everything."

And as the sport evolved, and the competition picked up, Chandler knew it was time to say goodbye.

"I'm getting to the point where I'm just not doing it justice."

The respect he's gained is evident far beyond the Island Gymnastics Academy. He was made an honourary member of team Canada this year, and one of the best gymnasts in the country, Ellie Black, will lead a parade of athletes who'll compete with Chandler one more time Friday night in Charlottetown.