Jonathan and Hazel retire

[etp777]

Seems Jonathan Wilkins and Hazel Newberry are retiring.

From Dancebeatworld.com:

Yes, tonight Jonathan and Hazel announced their retirement from competitive dancing. In front of their ‘second-home’ town crowd, Jonathan & Hazel danced a very emotional farewell waltz, one that was fitting for a long time finalist and former World Champion. They have many commitments throughout the next year that they will honor as a couple, but this was the last time we would see them on the competition floor.

Was certianly looking forward to see the new world standard champion after Mirko and Alessia, but did NOT expect these two to retire.

[sambanada]

I wish them both luck in the future.

[Standarddancer]

Wish them both good luck!

[dance234]

interesting article. at that same comp, jonathan's former partner katusha was crowned world champion - a first for the USA, ever - and longtime american runners-up mikhed/fung took third.

[Standarddancer]

Actually this is good news for America – with J/H retirement, its strongly possible that for this coming International and UK open even blackpool, top 2 placements for pro std belong to USA !!!! hmmm…just wondering where Modonia/Betti shall place???

[etp777]

I had same thought, Standarddancer. Then went on to wonder if we could get Michael and Joanna to retire so we could get latin for the US too. ;)

[NonieS]

awww but i love watching michael and joanna... :D

[etp777]

So do I, but they can still do shows. I've decided that's alright. ;)

[GJB]

I had same thought, Standarddancer. Then went on to wonder if we could get Michael and Joanna to retire so we could get latin for the US too. ;)

Dude, we don't want Ricardo and Yulia to become world champions because Michael and Joanna retire. We want Ricardo and Yulia to kick their butts ! That's the spirit of a champion.

[etp777]

Hrmmm, good point. :)