Colorado Springs, Colorado (AP) — Olympic figure skating champion Nathan Chen withdrew from the World Championship on Wednesday after winning the Beijing Olympics because he called him a “persistent injury.” ..
The three-time champion will replace Camden Pulkinen in Montpellier, France next week.
“I’m disappointed that I have to withdraw from the world,” Chen said in a statement. “I’ve been training for this tournament since I returned from Beijing. I have the persistent injuries I’ve dealt with and don’t want to risk further injuries by practicing and competing next week. . “
22-year-old Chen was one of the stars of the Winter Olympics in the thrilling “Rocketman” free skating that won the gold medal in Pyeongchang, South Korea four years ago. Chen also helped Americans win the team’s silver medal. This could be a gold medal until the results of a doping investigation involving a Russian team are available.
Chen hasn’t lost in the world championships since finishing 6th in 2017. The execution of his dominance began the following year with his three consecutive titles, which were only interrupted by the cancellation of the 2020 Championship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He may have been the first skater to win four consecutive titles since Starr Scott Hamilton of the United States between 1981 and 1984.