Hughes and Meissner Withdraw from US Figure Skating Championships

Two of the most well-known female figure skaters have withdrawn from the US Figure Skating Championships in Cleveland this week due to injuries. Kimmie Meissner (pictured above), the 2006 World and 2007 US Champion, withdrew early Monday due to a hip injury sustained in off-ice training about a week ago and aggravated by training for the US championships. Said Meissner,

“The decision wasn’t easy and was not made lightly. I’m very disappointed I won’t be there in Cleveland to compete.”

Also forced to withdraw today is Emily Hughes, the US Silver Medalist in 2007. Hughes sustained an ankle injury last week and hasn’t regained enough strength in it to compete. Said Hughes,

“I just don’t have enough strength in my ankle to perform my programs. I plan to resume training when my ankle heals and to compete again as soon as possible.”

It’s disappointing that these two ladies won’t be at Cleveland’s Quicken Loans Arena later this week, but the women’s competition should still be exciting.

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