Reigning U.S. Junior Champion DeeDee Leng to sit out rest of 2009-10 season

Colorado Springs, Colo. (October 28, 2009) - DeeDee Leng, the 2009 U.S. junior champion, announced today that she will sit out the remainder of the 2009-10 competitive season because of a back injury. Leng last competed in the International Skating Union (ISU) Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series event in Lake Placid, N.Y., Sept. 2-6, where she finished seventh.

Leng began experiencing pain in her back last week.

"Though I rested for a few days, the pain did not go away," said Leng, the 2007 U.S. novice pewter medalist. "My doctor recommended that I take more time off to rest my back, and I have decided to withdraw for the remainder of the season." 

The 15-year-old is undergoing physical therapy and receiving acupuncture to help lessen the inflammation and muscle spasms, and increase her range of motion.

Leng also announced that she has ended her year-long professional relationship with Maria Jezak-Athey at the International Skating Corporation in Bolingbrook and Northbrook, Ill., and will train with Julie Wang at the DuPage Figure Skating Club in Naperville, Ill.

"I thank Maria Jezak-Athey for all she has done for me this past year," Leng said. "I am also eager to work with Julie Wang this upcoming season."

- 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.