Former World And U.S. Champion Kimmie Meissner Withdraws From 2009 Grand Prix Series

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Kimmie Meissner, the 2006 World champion and 2007 U.S. champion, has withdrawn from the 2009 International Skating Union (ISU) Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series because of an injury. Meissner had been assigned to the Cup of Russia (Oct. 22-25) and the NHK Trophy (Nov. 5-8) in Japan.

"After much thought and consideration for what is best for the U.S. Team and my career, it is with great regret that I have decided that I must withdraw from my assigned Grand Prix events," Meissner said.

Meissner began experiencing pain in her right knee during training earlier this year.

"My knee had become chronically inflamed, swollen and painful," Meissner said. "After some testing, along with an MRI, I was diagnosed with severe patellar tendonitis and a partial dislocation to my right kneecap."

Though she has undergone physical therapy the last six weeks, Meissner does not believe she is ready for competition.

"I started adding triple jumps about two weeks ago, and my Salchow, loop, toe and Axel are pain free," Meissner said, "However, my flip and Lutz still cause pain in the center of my knee."

After consulting with an orthopedic specialist, Meissner made the decision that, in order to prevent chronic or further damage to her knee, she will withdraw from her upcoming Grand Prix assignments.

"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.

- About U.S. Figure Skating -
U.S. Figure Skating is the national governing body for the sport of figure skating in the United States as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Skating Union. U.S. Figure Skating is comprised of more than 700 member clubs, collegiate clubs, and school-affiliated clubs and more than 900 registered Basic Skills skating schools representing approximately 170,000 members. U.S. Figure Skating is charged with the development of the sport on all levels within the United States including athletes, officials, sanctioning of events and exhibitions, and establishing the rules and guidelines by which the sport is governed.

Tags: Kimmie Meissner, U.S. Figure Skating