The curtain came down on Nadine Zumkehr’s career in Canada

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What a way to end your career! Silver at the #TorontoFinals! Photocredit: Martin Steinthaler

With tears in her eyes, Nadine Zumkehr was bursting with pride as she reflected on the last match of her career that saw her win a silver medal at the Swatch Beach Volleyball FIVB World Tour Finals.

The 31-year-old has decided to step away from the sand and the Swiss star had mixed emotions in the wake of her and Joana Heidrich’s defeat to Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst in front of a packed Polson Pier crowd.

“I’m proud, I’m very emotional, and there are a lot of tears as to be expected,” Nadine told us. “But I wouldn’t have wanted to end my career in any other way: in front a big crowd in the final of such a big competition.

“But of course I will miss it. I’ll miss the game and playing in games like that. I’ll miss pushing myself to the limits and competing at the highest level. But there’s a part of me that won’t miss training in the winter and going to the gym twice a week. I’m looking forward to so many things – even if I will miss moments like this.

“I’ve spent so many years playing on tour with some great people and I’ll miss them. I’m not sure if I’ll find something else that will give me back so much emotion, but I’m sure that I’ll find other things that make me happy.

“Of course I’ll still watch the Swiss girls play, keeping an eye on them and make sure they’re working hard!”

Joana, meanwhile, explained that no decision has been made on her new partner for the 2016/17 campaign – but that the news won’t be long in coming.

“I’m not far away from a decision but this week I said I wanted to concentrate on this tournament – it was away from my mind,” she told us. “Now it’s time to relax. Today, though, was a great way to end our partnership.”

Nadine added: “Somebody is going to get one of the most talented girls on tour. She did an amazing job and has development and learned so much. The girl that gets her will be very lucky!

“She will work hard and get better every day and go on to be very, very successful.

“This won’t be the last time she wins a medal.”

Thanks for the memories Nadine and goodbye and good luck!