May 5, 1997

Gold-medal winner retires from swimming

By Rob Adler

lympic gold medal swimmer Ryan Berube has announced his retirement from the sport. While one journey has come to an end, another one is just starting to begin.

"The gold medal was just part of my journey to the top," Berube said. "It's a nice way to end it."

Berube won his medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, anchoring the United States to victory in the 800-meter freestyle relay.

One of Berube's main reasons for retirement was the back pain he experienced while swimming.

"I had back therapy for two years, and my body was telling me that it is time to go," Berube said. "It's time to move on."

Another factor was his fiancee, Michelle Stackhouse. The two plan to get married on June 14.

"Michelle has put aside a lot in her life for me," Berube said. "And I need to give a little back."

Berube is set to graduate in May with double major in finance and history. After graduation, he plans to continue working for Quest Capital Management.

"Quest is a financial planning firm," Berube said. "I gather information for the frontman in the company and organize data in an understandable way. I plan to begin working full time for Quest in July."

This step is just part of the necessary requirements for Berube to receive his financial planning certification.

"Financial planning certification takes three years, and it is equivalent to taking a class per semester," he said. "At the end, I must take a cumulative exam, and the cumulative exam is after five minor exams."

Berube plans to stay in touch with swimming through coaching, which he currently does two days a week.

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