Pyeongchang Winter Olympic gold medalist Yuzuru Hanyu will not participate in the World Figure Skating Championships that are due to start on March 21 in Milan, Italy, the Japan Skating Federation announced Wednesday.
The 23-year-old was diagnosed with injuries to his peroneal tendon and ligaments of his right ankle's outer side, and is expected to need about two weeks of rest and three months of rehabilitation treatments, according to the federation.
Hanyu issued a comment via the federation saying: "Thank you for your huge support. I have become unable to compete in the world championships, but I will thoroughly receive treatments and rehabilitation and will continue doing what I can do step by step, so that I will be able to come back as soon as possible."
He suffered an injury to his right ankle in November 2017, but returned to competition in the Pyeongchang Games, his first in about four months. Hanyu eventually won the gold medal, becoming the first male figure skater in 66 years to have garnered gold medals in two consecutive Winter Olympics.
After the competition in Pyeongchang, he revealed his condition, saying, "I would not be in a condition to be able to make jumps unless I take painkillers."
In the upcoming world championships, he would have aimed for his second consecutive title in the events. But he will prioritize treatments and rehabilitation for the time being.
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