The pair, who have skated together for the last eight years, finished ninth at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games and were part of the bronze medal winning US team.

They also enjoyed success in other international tournaments, securing the bronze medal at last year's Four Continents Championships in Osaka as well as a bronze at the 2009 World Junior Figure Skating Championships in Sofia.

"I am so honoured and proud to have shared the ice with Simon for the last eight years," Castelli, 23, said.

"It has been an amazing journey and I wouldn't change it for the world.

"We will always share our amazing accomplishments with each other.

"I appreciate everything Simon has done for me and wish him the best in his future endeavours.

"I will continue skating and hope to be back performing in front of a crowd soon."

Marissa Castelli and Simon Shnapir have skated together for eight years ©AFP/Getty Images


Shnapir, 26, also spoke of his pride in his career with Castelli, and thanked US Figure Skating and The Skating Club of Boston "for their incredible support".

"I wish Marissa the best of luck with her future as I look forward to starting a new chapter in my skating career," he added.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]