WHISTLER—Liberal candidate for the Okanagan/Coquihalla federal riding Ross Rebagliati announced today his withdrawal from contention, citing personal and family concerns.

Just six months ago Canada's first ever Olympic gold medalist in snowboarding was primed to take on Stockwell Day for a seat in Parliament and even had the backing of Ontario MP and hockey hall of famer Ken Dryden, but the 39-year-old Rebagliati has called it quits.

"For personal and family reasons, it is with regret that I must step down as the Liberal candidate in Okanagan-Coquihalla," said Rebagliati in a press release today.

"I remain steadfast in my support for the Liberal Party of Canada and our leader Michael Ignatieff, but the time has come for me to focus on new life challenges."

Rebagliati has relocated to Whistler from Kelowna.

At a Liberal policy convention this summer in Kelowna, Dryden had endorsed Rebagliati's candidacy, saying his success in athletics would carry over into the political arena, much like it did for Dryden.

Rebagliati has been outspoken on issues, such as social advocacy, youth sports, childcare, education, and the minimum wage. He spoke with the Merritt News about his desire to engage young people and help them interact with seniors and integrate into the community overall.

"I am sorry to lose Ross as a candidate, but I am thankful to have him as a friend," said Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff in the press release.

"Political life can be very demanding, especially when you have a young family. I will fondly remember the time we spent together this summer in the Okanagan on the Liberal Express and all the visits to British Columbia where Ross' support and dedication were always appreciated."

A new Liberal candidate has not yet been announced.

"We don't know," says Okanagan-Coquihalla Liberal riding association president John Yellowlees of who will replace Rebagliati.

"I feel disappointed because Ross was a good candidate. He would be appealing to a different sector of the voting population, but he has his reasons and they're personal and family related, so you have to respect that.

"We enjoyed our working with him because it was very refreshing what he brought to the Liberal Party," adds Yellowlees.

The riding association will meet this week to strategize their next step.