Kimmie Meissner announced Thursday that she has withdrawn from her two Grand Prix events due to a nagging knee injury sustained during a practice this summer.
The announcement comes as a bit of a shock, as the Meissner-camp has been relatively quiet this summer. A video from June showed the vast improvements she had made in her artistry and presentation, and she looked to be on the right track for the season. However, pain in her knee forced her to skip two summer competitions - the Liberty Open and Skate Detroit - and, though she is able to perform triple jumps, she said she doesn't feel comfortable enough with the flip or Lutz yet.
"For the United States to be represented properly, especially during an Olympic year, I feel I must put my personal desire to compete aside," Meissner said.
Because Meissner won't be competing at the Rostelecom Cup in Russia or the NHK Trophy in Japan, her season is effectively over. She skipped last year's Nationals due to injury, therefore not receiving a bye to this year's event by placing in the top 5. Her assignment in Japan gave her a bye through the Eastern Sectional Championships, and US Figure Skating granted her a bye through the South Atlantic Regional Championships (taking place now) as well because of the extensive travel time involved between her Grand Prix events.
That bye, however, was contingent upon her competing in those events. This means that Meissner will not be able to skate at the Nationals in Spokane, and a possible berth on what would be her second Olympic team is not possible anymore either.
She was quick to tell followers on her Twitter page that she is definitely not retiring, and plans to come back next season. In the meantime, Meissner is scheduled to perform on the "Stars on Ice" tour this winter.
Meissner is the 2006 World champion and the 2007 US National and Four Continents champion. Additionally, she is the 2007 Skate America champion and finished 6th at the 2006 Olympics in Torino, Italy. Meissner is only the second US lady ever to have landed a triple Axel in competition.
As my sentimental favorite, I wish Kimmie a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her represent the US again in the near future!
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