October 25, 2005 – Today, as reported in the Edmonton Sun, Canada’s Lori-Ann Muenzer, defending Olympic Sprint gold medallist, announced she will no longer race…at least for 2006. Rumours are flying on other newssources that she has hung up the cleats for good, but Muenzer says she will take the next year off, due to lack of funds.

Despite winning the gold medal, Muenzer says the financial rewards have been few and far between. She did not receive the type of sponsorship contracts she expected and said that although she will continue to train, she does not have the backing to race a full season next year.

Muenzer said that had she been in another country, such as Australia, where an Olympic champion would be paid $50,000, the situation would be different. However, Muenzer still hopes to be back for the 2008 Olympics in Bejing.