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Kwan withdraws from nationals; will petition for Olympic spot
BARRY WILNER; AP Sports Writer // Associated Press Worldstream // January 4, 2006
Copyright 2006 Associated Press
All Rights Reserved
Michelle Kwan withdrew from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships on Wednesday with a groin injury but will petition for a spot on the Olympic team that leaves for Turin, Italy, next month.The nine-time U.S. champion and five-time world gold medalist missed nearly all of this season with injuries, but was expected to skate next week in St. Louis, where the team will be picked.
Instead, she hopes to get one of the three spots being contested by petitioning U.S. Skating.
Kwan, 25, won a silver medal at the 1998 Olympics and a bronze in 2002.In 1994, Nancy Kerrigan missed the U.S. nationals after being injured in an attack at practice, but was given a medical bye onto the U.S. team. She won a silver medal at those games.
"I am deeply disappointed that I will not be at nationals," Kwan said. "It's always been my favorite event, especially in an Olympic year, and I was really looking forward to competing. I had been skating very well before the injury, and both my doctor and I feel that I can get back to that level and be completely ready for the Olympics. For that reason I am petitioning for a spot on the team."
Kwan strained a ligament in her right hip in September, then injured the groin during practice on Dec. 17. At her doctor's request, she's limited her ice time, but expects to resume normal training on Jan. 13.
"At the current rate of improvement ... I'm confident that she will be in top physical condition for the Olympics," Dr. Leisure Yu said.
Kwan must prove to the federation by Jan. 16 that she is fit enough to be selected for the Olympic team. The members of the team must be submitted to the Turin organizing committee by Jan. 30.
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