Simon Bairu announces retirement

OTTAWA – Simon Bairu of Regina, Sask., has officially announced his retirement. Bairu, a cross country standout with the Wisconsin Badgers of the NCAA, and later with Canada's national team program, won seven national cross country titles and two national titles on the track (5000m in 2009, 10000m in 2010).

In 2010 Bairu registered one of the best Canadian performances ever at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships finishing 12^th. He won three Canadian 10-kilometres titles on the road (2006, 2008 and 2009). The two-time national NCAA cross country champion still holds the Canadian record of 27:23.63 in the 10000-metres. He qualified for the 2007 World Championships team in the 10000-metres.

"After dealing with constant injuries I decided it was time to move on. My career was highlighted with a 10000-metres Canadian Record of 27:23.63, placing 12^th at the World Cross Country Championships in 2010 and leading the Wisconsin Badgers to the team cross country championship at the NCAA Championships while winning my second individual championship."

Athletics Canada wishes Simon well as he looks ahead to a new adventure in Nike's Sports Marketing Department.

By the Numbers – Simon Bairu personal bests

• 1500m – 3:45.25 (2007)
• 3000m – 7:49.10 (2007)
• 5000m – 13:25.91 (2007)
• 10000m – 27:23.63 (2010 Canadian Record)
• Half Marathon – 1:02:08 (2010)