Chock & Zuerlein End Five-Year Partnership

U.S. FIGURE SKATING PRESS RELEASE:  Madison Chock & Greg Zuerlein, the 2009 World Junior ice dancing champions, announced today they have ended their five-year on-ice partnership.

Zuerlein has decided to retire from competitive figure skating, while Chock is looking for a new partner.

“Thank you to our coaches, families and fans for their support over the years,” Chock and Zuerlein said. “We have enjoyed a successful career together that would not have been possible without the support we’ve received from so many people.”

The team formed in 2007 and trained under coaches Igor Shpilband, Marina Zoueva, Johnny Johns and Adrienne Lenda in Canton, Mich. They had a breakthrough season in 2008-09, winning all five events they entered, including the International Skating Union (ISU) Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, AT&T U.S. Figure Skating Championships (junior) and World Junior Figure Skating Championships.

Last season, their second on the senior level, Chock and Zuerlein collected bronze medals at their two events in the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series-Skate Canada and Trophee Eric Bompard-before also earning the bronze at the 2011 AT&T U.S. Figure Skating Championships. They finished the season by placing ninth in their first appearance at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships.

In addition to continuing to give private lessons in the Detroit area, Zuerlein plans to finish his college degree.

“Getting my degree is something that is very important to me,” said Zuerlein, who has taken classes at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Mich., and is hoping to transfer to Eastern Michigan University in January. “Skating has given me so much, and I’m excited to stay active in the sport while pursuing other goals. “I also want to wish Madi the best. She and her parents have become my family, and have stood by me through a lot. I will be there to support her throughout the rest of her career.”

Chock will continue training in Canton with her coaches.

“I want to be really sure I continue skating with the right partner,” Chock said. “Greg and I had a great partnership, and while I am sad to see him retire, I’m looking forward to the next challenge.”