SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Reigning Olympic figure skating champion Kim Yu-na will be sidelined for up to six weeks with a foot injury, a setback in her preparations for the Winter Games in Sochi.
Kim has withdrawn from both of her Grand Prix events, Skate Canada and Trophee Eric Bompard in Paris, according to the International Skating Union. South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, citing the Korea Skating Union, says the 23-year old has been having pain since mid-August because of an injured metatarsal in her right foot.
Though the timing of the injury isn’t ideal, Kim is more prepared to deal with the layoff than most. After taking almost two years off from competition, she returned last season and won her second world title in near-record fashion, establishing her as the favorite for Sochi.
