Michelle Kwan will skip the upcoming figure skating season and attend the University of Denver.
Kwan said Wednesday she will become a fulltime student at Denver, but will continue to skate in exhibitions.
“Each year, since 2002, I have taken a one-year-at-a-time approach to my figure skating plans,” the nine-time U.S and five-time world champion said. “Education is very important to me, and this year I have decided to put college first. Next year at this time I will again evaluate all my options, including returning to competitive skating.”
The 26-year-old Kwan did not compete in the 2005-06 season because of a series of injuries. She was chosen for the U.S. Olympic team on a medical bye, then injured her groin in the first practice in Turin, Italy, and withdrew.
Last month, Kwan underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn labrum in her right hip, an injury she sustained during the 2004-2005 season. The rehab lasts about four months, another factor in her decision to skip this season.
The most accomplished skater of her generation, Kwan won a silver medal in the 1998 Olympics and a bronze in 2002. She previously attended UCLA, earning a year worth of credits that have been transferred to Denver. Kwan plans to major in political science, with a minor in international studies.
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