Reigning U.S. ladies figure skating champion Bradie Tennell withdrew from next week’s national championships due to a lingering right foot injury.
The withdrawal from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships means Tennell is out of consideration for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. She can file a petition for a spot on the team that will compete in Beijing.
The U.S. championships begin Monday in Nashville, Tenn., and conclude on Jan. 9.
“I don’t really know how to put into words what I’m feeling right now,” Tennell wrote on Instagram. “I normally try to keep things light, but this hurts. I don’t like to give up when things get hard, but time has not been my friend this year and now it’s run out.”
Tennell, 23, said she first began dealing with foot pain in July. The two-time U.S. champ said she saw experts all around the country in hopes of a solution.
“I thought if I kept pushing, I’d be able to overcome the pain enough to consistently be on the ice, training in the sport I love,” Tennell said. “And though I have done everything in my power to try to be ready for Nationals, I have to listen to what my body is telling me and accept that I won’t be able to compete next week.”
Tennell also won the U.S. national crown in 2018 in addition to last year’s title. She earned a bronze medal in the team event at the 2018 Olympics and placed ninth in individuals.
–Field Level Media