Curling legend Glenn Howard reflects on his career & what's next
After decades of dominance on the ice, Glenn Howard, one of the most decorated curlers in history, has announced his retirement.
With four world championships, four Briers, and 17 provincial titles under his belt, Howard leaves behind a legacy that has not only elevated the sport but also put the shores of South Georgian Bay on the world map.
In an interview with CTV News, conducted just two days into his retirement, Howard reflects on his illustrious career and what lies ahead.
"I realize now it is time to pack it in, and I've come to terms with it," Howard remarks, addressing the toll the sport has taken on his body. "My knee is so sore now that it's taking the fun out of the sport."
For Howard, curling has been more than just a sport; it's been a way of life deeply intertwined with his family and community.
"I felt at peace on the curling sheet," he shares. "It was everything. My family was involved, [my] mom, dad, brother, my two kids. Curling is everything to me."
Throughout his career, Howard shared the ice with his family, including his brother Russ. In 1987, Howard won his first Canadian championship and world championship with his brother by his side. The brothers played together for 15 years.
Howard also played eight years with his son Scott.
Reflecting on his journey from the small town of Midland, Howard acknowledges the significance of his achievements.
"It's super cool to be able to say you won a world championship championship. Those are special memories with all those amazing teammates," he says.
Howard's longtime friend, Bryan Wilson, highlights how the curling icon's talents extend far beyond his accomplishments on the ice.
"It's not just the curling but what he's done for the communities around here," Wilson says. "[He's a] great ambassador for the game [and] hard to replace."
As Howard steps into retirement, he leaves behind a changed game, with one of his proudest achievements being the evolution of the rules, spearheaded alongside his brother Russ.
"It was right here in this curling club [that] he came up with that idea of not being able to remove the first couple of rocks of an end. We just did that in practice. Long story short, it morphed into the three-rock, four-rock and the now existing five-rock rule," Howard says.
Looking ahead, Howard expresses confidence in curling's future, noting the abundance of young talent. He hopes to stay around for a bit longer as a coach.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.
Woman, 35, in critical condition after her truck collided with a Via Rail train near Montreal
A 35-year-old woman is in critical condition after the pick-up truck she was driving was struck by a Via Rail passenger train Monday morning in Quebec's Monteregie region.