US figure skater Michelle Kwan
© AFP Yuri KadobnovTURIN, Italy (AFP) - The nine-time US champion had received a medical bye for Turin despite not competing in the national championships because of a groin problem after also suffering a hip injury last year.
"Taking myself off the team is the most difficult decision I've ever had to make," Kwan said, "but it's the right decision. The injury prevents me from skating my best and I've said all along that if I couldn't skate to the level that I expected from myself I'd withdraw from the team.
"The Olympics is the greatest sporting event in the world and what's most important is that the United States field the strongest team possible.
"As much as I'd love to represent the United States in Turin, I would never stand in the way of that."
Five-time world champion Kwan, had been seeking one last chance at obtaining the one major title that has eluded her throughout her brilliant career - an Olympic gold - after earning silver in 1998 and a bronze in 2002.
The 25-year-old struggled at her first training session Saturday ahead of the competition which is due to start on Tuesday February 21.
Emily Hughes
© AFP/Getty Images/FileUS figure skating alternate Emily Hughes, sister of US champion Sarah, will replace Kwan and give a teleconference from Long Island later Sunday.
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