FIGURE SKATING: Two-Time U.S. Champion Evan Lysacek Withdraws From World Championships

Colorado Springs, Colo. (March 13, 2008)-Two-time World bronze medalist Evan Lysacek has withdrawn form the 2008 World Figure Skating Championships, taking place in Gothenburg, Sweden, March 17-23. Lysacek will be replaced by 2005 U.S. junior champion Jeremy Abbott. Lysacek fell Wednesday during training, after his right blade broke while landing a triple Axel."The blade broke at the weld,"Lysacek said."I've been through three blades in the past three days. Obviously, something isn't right."The fall injured Lysacek's left forearm, elbow and shoulder."I went to the emergency room last night,"Lysacek said."I got a bunch of X-rays and, thankfully, nothing's broken."Lysacek is wearing a soft cast and will be in a sling for about a week. Doctors have recommended that he refrain from attempting any jumps or spins for the next two weeks. Abbott finished fourth at the 2008 U.S. Figure Skating Championships and fifth at the Four Continents Championships."I wish Jeremy the best of luck,"Lysacek said."I'm obviously disappointed that I won't be there. I've been skating very well, and I really felt like the momentum was building. I'm going to continue to train as hard as I can, work to get this equipment issue straightened out, and return strong for next season."The 2008 World Championships begin Tuesday, March 18 at the Scandinavium Arena with the compulsory dance and pairs short program. The competition concludes Saturday, March 22 with the men's free skate.-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 1,425 member clubs and Basic Skills Programs representing approximately 184,000 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.