Figure skating: Olympic champion Hanyu cancels participation in the World Championships

Japanese Olympic gold medallist Yuzuru Hanyu took part in the Figure Skating World Championships in Milan (19. till 25. March) canceled. This was announced by the Japanese Federation on Wednesday. Hanyu (23) had to pause for two weeks because of a ligament injury at the right ankle joint and then complete a three-month rehabilitation.

“After a diagnosis, it’s clear I can’t compete in the World Cup. I will concentrate on treatment and rehabilitation so that I can return home as soon as possible in a healthy condition,”Hanyu was quoted in the communication.

Hanyu, who won his second consecutive Olympic gold medal at the Winter Games in Pyeongchang/South Korea, is also suffering further injuries according to the association. No further details were given. The ankle injury originated in November.

This means that the figure skating superstar cannot defend his world championship title. Hanyu had triumphed in Helsinki/Finland last year. The Japanese is the first single runner since the US legend Dick Button (1948 and 1952), who won gold at the Olympic Games twice in a row.