In Pain, Evgeni Plushenko Withdraws From Figure Skating CompetitionSOCHI, Russia — Evgeni Plushenko, 31, the four-time Olympic medalist from Russia, withdrew from the men’s figure skating short program Thursday night before an expectant home crowd, apparently because of back problems.
In warm-ups, Plushenko stumbled out of a triple axel and seemed pained. He bent over along the boards and a look of resignation crossed his face. He spoke with his longtime coach, Alexei Mishin, then, when it was his turn to perform, he informed the judge that he was withdrawing.
At center ice, he patted his heart and took a bow.
After the long program of the team competition Sunday, which Plushenko won in helping Russia to a gold medal, he complained of problems with his spine. He has said he still has screws in his back from an operation.
His withdrawal left Russia in the embarrassing position of having no skater in the men’s competition, just after it had won gold in the team and pairs competitions.
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Maxim Kovtun, 18, defeated Plushenko to win the Russian national championship, but skating officials chose Plushenko for the lone spot in the Sochi Games because of his experience and charisma. Kovtun, who struggled to fifth place at the European championships, was not considered a medal candidate here.
Many wondered before the Games whether Plushenko would withdraw after the team competition. But he entered the men’s singles event and said he was determined to skate. Still, he has performed through repeated injury in his career and has said he needed a dozen operations to persevere until the Sochi Games.
His reputation as one of the greats of the sport is likely to remain secure despite his awkward withdrawal. He won gold at the 2006 Winter Games and here in the team competition. He took silver in 2002 and 2010 in men’s singles.
Only Gillis Grafstrom of Sweden, the men’s Olympic champion in 1920, 1924 and 1928, and the silver medalist in 1932, can match Plushenko’s total of four medals.